U.S. President Donald Trump has advised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to consider using military force to stop illegal migration into Britain, warning that unchecked crossings could destroy the country “from within,” according to reports from The Times UK.
Trump’s comments came during the final day of his two-day state visit to the UK. He reportedly told Starmer that Britain’s small boat crossings across the Channel presented a challenge similar to what he faced upon entering office in the U.S. and urged that “any means necessary” be deployed to curb illegal migration.
Sources told The Times UK that Trump’s advice drew on the U.S. experience on the southern border, where aggressive measures led to a dramatic fall in crossings. Trump emphasized that the use of military or other extreme measures could be justified to protect national stability.
The visit also highlighted areas of disagreement. Trump expressed opposition to Britain’s imminent plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state, describing it as one of the “few” points where he diverged from Starmer.
Despite his strong stance on migration, Trump avoided criticism over free speech issues and the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson, attempting to maintain a positive tone. He praised the US-UK relationship as “like no other” and highlighted a newly signed technology partnership intended to help both nations “dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”
The president’s comments on illegal migration are likely to fuel domestic debate in the UK, where Starmer faces scrutiny over his “one in, one out” asylum deal with France. The agreement allows Britain to return asylum seekers with no right to be in the UK in exchange for migrants with valid claims. Ministers insist there are no plans to deploy the military; previous temporary military involvement under Conservative governments focused solely on rescue and operational support.
Starmer defended his approach, stressing international cooperation and measured implementation. Following the first deportation under the new scheme, he called the deal with French President Emmanuel Macron “an important step forward” and pledged to scale up enforcement to deter illegal crossings.
Trump also commented on global issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine and North Sea energy. He criticized Britain’s reliance on wind power, advocating greater use of domestic oil and gas resources, while downplaying the UK’s immediate interest in the Ukrainian conflict.
