Starmer to meet Trump in Scotland this month as demonstrations planned against state visit – UK politics live

<p>PM to meet US president during private visit in July as Stop Trump Coalition announces protest planned for September</p><p>As <strong>Rowena Mason</strong> revealed recently, No 10 has issued guidance that in effect bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present.</p><p>Today the Times has published <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/comment/letters-to-editor/article/times-letters-rising-reform-keir-starmer-pmftf7c2r">a letter</a> signed by almost 30 experts – including former senior officials, thinktank leaders, academics and union leader – saying this policy is a mistake because it is having “a chilling effect on public discussion” and that it should be withdrawn. They say:</p><p>The government’s new guidance that prevents public officials from participating properly in public or stakeholder events is a mistake. Effective government relies on public servants, whose salaries are paid by the taxpayer, hearing directly from businesses, charities, academics and citizens to help them make better policy. They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/jul/14/latest-live-uk-politics-news-updates-labour-conservatives-keir-starmer">Continue reading...</a>