U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is staring down a geopolitical tightrope ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump on Thursday as he looks to stay strong on support for Ukraine, as well as maintaining relations with the U.S. — London’s chief ally. 

But the tense international atmosphere is not the only hurdle Starmer is facing following his waning approval ratings at home.

The U.K. saw a massive political shake-up in July 2024 after voters ended the Conservative Party’s 14-year reign and voted in the Labour Party under Starmer. But in the months following his election, Starmer’s approval ratings reportedly took a historic dip.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses members at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, England on Tuesday. (AP)

Instead, Mendoza pointed to the successful meeting between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, as an indicator of how Starmer’s discussions could go.

“I think there would be a path to great popularity if he’s able to shape President Trump’s thinking on certain subjects,” Mendoza said. 

Starmer’s ability to make inroads with Trump could have immediate implications as issues that directly impact Brits’ pockets are expected to be top agenda items — including the looming U.S. tariffs on U.K. steel.

The British embassy confirmed to Fox News Digital that while topics involving U.S.-U.K. defense alliances and support for Ukraine are expected to be addressed, topics involving shared economic and trade-based partnerships will also be prioritized. 

Howard Lutnick, chief executive officer of Cantor Fitzgerald LP and US commerce secretary nominee for US President Donald Trump, right, and President Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (Getty)

Trump’s threat to slap 25% tariffs on U.K. and EU imports is a topic Britain hopes it is uniquely positioned to address given its “very specialized” trading position on steel and aluminum, U.K. secretary for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds, told the BBC this month.  

A British embassy spokesperson said Starmer will look to highlight the economic “synergies” shared between the U.K. and U.S. when it comes to tech, AI, trade and investments.

“That’s going to be a big priority,” spokesman Ed Roman said.