Keir Starmer was forced to abandon part of his 'historic' trade deal with the US on the eve of Donald Trump's State visit.
Whitehall sources said months of lobbying had failed to persuade the White House to implement an agreement to slash tariffs on British steel exports to zero, despite one being announced.
The blow came as Mr Trump flew into the UK last night for his second State visit, after being hosted in 2019 at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth.
The US President said his trip would be focused on spending time with his 'friend' King Charles at Windsor Castle, whom he called an 'elegant gentleman'.
But he was also willing to talk to Sir Keir about making the trade deal 'a little bit better'.
