- UK PM Keir Starmer visits Ottawa to revive post-Brexit trade talks with Canada.
- Both leaders to address Middle East tensions and global instability at G7.
- Starmer reinforces Canada’s sovereignty amid Trump’s annexation remarks.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Ottawa marks a renewed push to strengthen UK-Canada relations, particularly around stalled trade negotiations.
Beyond trade, the discussions between Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also covered urgent geopolitical matters. With the G7 summit on the horizon, both leaders are aligning on calls for de-escalation in the Middle East after renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Diplomacy, Trade, and Security: Starmer’s Ottawa Stop Sets G7 Stage
Keir Starmer’s first visit to Canada as UK prime minister comes at a strategic moment as he attempts to rekindle diplomatic and economic momentum with Ottawa. The UK and Canada share a £28 billion trading relationship, currently governed by a temporary agreement since Brexit. Starmer’s outreach suggests a desire to stabilize long-term terms and align more closely under shared global trade frameworks like the CPTPP.
The personal rapport between Starmer and Carney was on display during their Saturday evening dinner and attendance at a Stanley Cup match, signaling an effort to blend diplomacy with informality. Their close relationship may help smooth over sticking points that previously halted negotiations, such as Canadian agricultural exports and British dairy access.
The backdrop of rising global conflict adds urgency to this bilateral meeting. The leaders are expected to take a unified position at the G7 on the Iran-Israel crisis and ongoing war in Ukraine. Starmer’s confirmation that UK forces are positioned for regional contingencies underscores a proactive posture on global security issues.
In addition to trade and defense, Starmer addressed speculation spurred by President Trump’s controversial annexation remarks, affirming Canada’s status as an “independent, sovereign country.” His comment positions the UK as a reliable partner that respects national autonomy while maintaining pragmatic ties with Washington.
Starmer’s Ottawa visit set a collaborative tone ahead of the G7, underscoring a shift toward pragmatic diplomacy, strategic trade revival, and firm international positioning.
“Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth.” — Keir Starmer
