Sir Keir Starmer is not responsible for "fact-checking" Donald Trump during his visit to the US, a Cabinet minister has stated.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized that the Prime Minister’s priority in Washington is to promote the UK’s interests.

When asked whether Sir Keir should take a similar approach to French President Emmanuel Macron by correcting Mr. Trump in real time, Mr. Reed dismissed the idea.

“I don’t think it’s the Prime Minister’s role on any visit to fact-check his host,” Reed told journalists in Westminster. “His responsibility is to advocate for the interests of the United Kingdom in the most effective way to achieve the outcomes we need.”

He added, “This isn’t about performance; it’s about securing real results on key issues like trade and security.”

Discussions between Sir Keir and Mr. Trump are expected to cover topics including Ukraine, the Chagos Islands, and trade.

Mr. Reed also reaffirmed that the UK would not agree to a trade deal with the US if it compromised environmental standards.

“We’ve been clear before and after the election—we won’t undercut British farmers by lowering welfare or environmental standards,” he said when asked whether a deal could allow products like chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef into the UK.