LONDON — The United States is poised to finalize a new nuclear energy agreement with British officials during President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK this week.
Trump will arrive in London on Tuesday and will spend Wednesday at Windsor Castle with King Charles III, culminating in an extravagant state banquet that evening.
The nuclear deal, which British government officials describe as one that “will turbocharge the build-out of new nuclear power stations in both countries and clear the way for a major expansion of new nuclear projects in the U.K.,” is scheduled to be signed on Thursday during bilateral meetings between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“This landmark UK-US nuclear partnership is not just about powering our homes, it’s about powering our economy, our communities, and our ambition. These major commitments set us well on course to a golden age of nuclear that will drive down household bills in the long run, while delivering thousands of good jobs in the short term,” Starmer stated in an interview with the Washington Examiner. “Together with the US, we’re building a golden age of nuclear that puts both countries at the forefront of global innovation and investment.”
Trump’s Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, remarked that the administration is “ushering in a true nuclear renaissance — harnessing the power of commercial nuclear to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.”
Interior Secretary Doug Bergum added, “Strengthened nuclear cooperation with the UK reinforces our unshakable commitment to technological leadership, global security, and the responsible stewardship of nuclear power. This is how we unleash the full power of American Energy Dominance – with innovation, strength, and key geopolitical collaboration.”
The new framework includes plans to construct 12 modular nuclear reactors in northern England, which British officials anticipate could supply power to approximately 1.5 million homes and create 2,500 jobs.
According to White House officials speaking to the Washington Examiner, this initiative will significantly diminish British reliance on Russian oil, a critical factor in addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Over the weekend, Trump expressed his readiness to implement major sanctions on Russia in collaboration with other NATO member nations.
The president has increased pressure on NATO allies to cease importing Russian oil from China and India, proposing that the U.S. and its allies consider imposing new tariffs ranging from 50 to 100% to obstruct Russia from transshipping its energy products to Europe.
“The purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia,” Trump posted on Truth Social, asserting that the new tariffs would be of “great help” in undermining Russia’s military and compelling President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
