At Chequers, the British prime minister's country residence, Keir Starmer hoped to persuade the US president on Ukraine and a deal over tariffs. His efforts were in vain. The two leaders sidestepped any direct or difficult questions.

Visit comes at sensitive time for UK government, which is laying on display of royal and military pageantry

When US President Donald Trump arrives at Windsor Castle for his unprecedented second state visit to the UK on Wednesday, there will be one notable absentee.