🇬🇧 UK PM Sir Keir Starmer to visit Ottawa ahead of G7 summit

The UK and Canadian prime ministers will meet in Ottawa to strengthen transatlantic ties ahead of this year’s G7 Leaders’ Summit in Alberta.

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to conduct a two-day visit to Ottawa from June 14–15, marking his first official trip to Canada since his election in March. His host will be Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who confirmed the visit in a media release earlier today.

Their discussions will focus on strengthening economic and security ties between Canada and the UK. The visit comes in the wake of escalating tensions with the United States—as former US President Trump recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel (while exempting the UK), and even suggested Canada might have to pay $61 billion for missile defence or opt to become the US’s “51st state”.

Downing Street sees Starmer’s visit as a key step in forging a “centre‑left axis” of leadership between Canada and the UK—both now led by left-leaning governments—and to reaffirm support in the expanded trans-Atlantic arena.

Carney last met Starmer in March in London on his first overseas trip as Canada’s prime minister. With the 51st G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, the pair’s Ottawa talks will lay essential groundwork on shared priorities before heading west.

This weekend, Canada will welcome @Keir_Starmer to Ottawa.

The ties between Canada and the United Kingdom are historic and enduring. Prime Minister Starmer’s visit will further strengthen them, building on the partnership that keeps our nations safe and our economies strong. pic.twitter.com/axUhRgBSsc

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 11, 2025

🔍 Why it matters for GTA & Canada

• Economic diplomacy: Canada is aiming to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the US amid tariff threats—Starmer’s visit offers a chance to deepen agreements with Europe’s second-largest economy.

• Security cooperation: Amid escalating global tensions and European rearmament efforts, Canada and the UK are expected to align more closely on defence collaboration ahead of Kananaskis.

• Political signalling: The visit underscores Canada and the UK’s willingness to stand firm in the face of U.S. pressure—a message both nations may wish to send during the G7.

🔜 What’s next

Both leaders will travel to Alberta after Ottawa to participate in the G7 Summit. High on their agenda: responding to the U.S. steel tariffs, combating Russian aggression in Ukraine, and coordinating broader Free World strategy.