Starmer’s meeting with Trump will be PM’s biggest diplomatic test to date

Aides say prime minister will try to balance the UK and Europe's interests while retaining good relations with unpredictable US president

The first time Keir Starmer met Donald Trump, the prime minister had a convivial two-hour dinner with the then presidential candidate in his luxury New York apartment, before Trump dimmed the lights to show off the Manhattan skyline.

The stakes at the two leaders' second meeting at the White House this Thursday will be much higher. It will take place days after the third anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine, amid tensions at the United Nations and during a turbulent period in transatlantic relations.