UK and US Announce AI-Focused Economic Deal as Starmer Tours Palantir
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer toured Palantir Technologies in Washington, D.C., on Thursday (February 27) after announcing a new UK-US economic agreement with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core.
Strengthening UK-US Economic Ties
During a joint press conference at the White House, Starmer and US President Donald Trump emphasised the deal’s potential to enhance the already strong trading relationship between the two nations.
Standing alongside Starmer, Trump suggested that the outlines of a broader trade agreement between the UK and the US could be reached “very shortly.”
AI and Defence at the Centre of the Deal
Starmer’s visit included a tour of Palantir Technologies, a defence and data analytics firm known for its government-related software. The company’s expertise in AI aligns with the new economic deal’s focus on technology-driven collaboration.
The UK’s commitment to AI innovation is a key aspect of the agreement, reflecting its importance in defence, cybersecurity, and economic growth.
Trade Talks and Tariff Discussions
When asked whether Starmer had persuaded him to drop reciprocal tariffs, Trump responded, “I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary. We’ll see.”
The discussions mark a significant step toward a potential UK-US trade agreement, with AI and defence technology playing a central role in future cooperation.
With inputs from Reuters
