Is Starmer now acting as a lap dog to Trump?

Summary of The Trump and Starmer Meeting in Scotland, 28th July 2025.

The Prime Minister met US President Donald Trump in Scotland, where they held bilateral discussions on trade and foreign affairs PM meeting with President Trump of the United States: 28 July 2025 – GOV.UK. The meeting took place at Trump’s Turnberry golf course.

Based on the search results, here’s the personal references in the Trump-Starmer meeting:
Trump’s comment about Nigel Farage: President Donald Trump suggested Prime Minister Keir Starmer needed to lower taxes, cut immigration and stop crime in the UK if he wants to beat populist Nigel Farage at the next general election Trump is in to Scotland to golf, meet UK’s Starmer : NPR. This indicates Trump did reference Farage during their conversation, framing him as a political threat to Starmer.
The Trump-Farage relationship context: Farage is a supporter of Donald Trump. On 28 October 2020, Farage spoke at a Trump rally in Arizona, where Farage praised Trump, calling him the “most resilient and brave person” he had ever met July 28, 2025: Donald Trump presidency news | CNN Politics. Their friendship is well-documented.

This was indeed a very awkward diplomatic moment. Here’s what happened regarding Sadiq Khan:
Trump’s attack on Khan: Trump told reporters he was “not a fan” of London’s mayor, calling Khan “a nasty person” who has done “a terrible job” France 24NPR. This occurred during a press conference in Scotland on Friday while confirming he plans to visit London during a state trip in September Trump visit to Scotland rekindles tension with locals over golf properties – The Washington Post.
Starmer’s defense: Starmer defended the London mayor by calling him a “friend,” though Trump still did not hold back Hundreds rally in Scotland to protest against Trump’s golf visit. Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to defend his “friend” Sir Sadiq Khan after Donald Trump blasted the London Mayor Trump meets UK PM Starmer in Scotland after securing EU trade deal | Fox News.
The diplomatic awkwardness: Starmer looks so uncomfortable Trump hosts Starmer in Scotland, promoting his own golf club according to observers, and Trump made the remarks as Starmer sits stunned next to him PM meeting with President Trump of the United States: 28 July 2025 – GOV.UK.

Based on the search results, here’s what else happened during PM Starmer’s meeting with President Trump in Scotland on July 28, 2025:
The key topics discussed included:
Gaza Crisis: The leaders began by discussing the appalling scenes in Gaza and agreed that urgent action was needed to bring an end to the suffering, with both committing to work together on humanitarian aid and securing the release of hostages.
Ukraine: Trump said he will shorten the 50-day deadline he gave Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine to “10 days or 12 days” Trump hosts Starmer in Scotland, promoting his own golf club and mentioned potential secondary sanctions.
Economic Relations: On the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal, the leaders remarked on how beneficial the deal is for working people in the UK and the US.
Whether this constitutes “acting as a lap dog” is a matter of political interpretation. The official readout suggests a standard diplomatic meeting between allies discussing shared concerns. Starmer championed his relationship with Trump in a BBC interview earlier this month and said that it was “in the national interest” for the two men to get along Trump meets UK PM Starmer in Scotland after securing EU trade deal | Fox News. Different observers will likely view Starmer’s diplomatic approach differently based on their political perspectives.
Following this they, Trump & Starmer, moved to another Golf Course owned by Trump in Scotland in Air Force One. It might be asked, Who was entertaining Who?