Starmer arrives in South Africa as G20 gathers without Trump

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has landed in Johannesburg as global leaders assemble for this year’s G20 summit, a major gathering of the world’s largest economies. His arrival comes as the United States prepares to take part without President Donald Trump, who chose to skip the event after repeating widely discredited claims that white people in South Africa are being persecuted.

Starmer, who is often teased by critics as “never here Keir” because of his frequent overseas trips, has defended his international travel by saying it strengthens the United Kingdom’s economic ties. Downing Street echoed this, noting that the visit will also serve to deepen cooperation with allies, particularly in support of Ukraine.

Before the summit opened, Starmer joined French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They discussed the latest United States backed peace proposal for ending the war. Zelensky later wrote on X that Ukraine values the efforts of the United States and President Trump’s team to help achieve what he described as a real and dignified peace. He added that Ukraine and its allies were coordinating to ensure that key principles were respected.

Still, there is significant anxiety about some elements of the reported draft peace plan. Leaks suggest it includes concessions that Kyiv has firmly rejected in the past, such as giving up parts of the Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control, reducing the size of its military, and pledging not to join Nato. Ukrainian officials fear these proposals closely reflect Russia’s demands.

Before the summit begins, Starmer will tour a Johannesburg rail depot to view trains manufactured in Derby. He is also expected to announce a new agreement under which the United Kingdom will provide strategic advice and consultancy services to South Africa’s railway network. The work will be handled by Crossrail International, a government owned organisation that also recently struck a similar deal with Vietnam.

Downing Street says Africa represents major opportunities for British businesses, noting its rapidly growing population and expanding markets. Officials argue that investment partnerships across the continent can help support jobs at home. Speaking to reporters on his flight, Starmer said that doing business with G20 partners is central to tackling the cost of living and improving economic stability in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Trump’s absence continues to draw reactions. He dismissed the summit as a total disgrace and repeated his claim about the persecution of white Afrikaners, a statement South African officials and political parties have firmly rejected. President Cyril Ramaphosa responded bluntly, saying the United States would be missing out by not attending and that boycott politics do not work.

As leaders gather in Johannesburg, the summit is expected to focus on global economic stability, international cooperation, and the challenges facing regions around the world.