LONDON — U.K. Trade Secretary Peter Kyle has pulled out of a major trade mission to California next week as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s fragile government races to drive its steel bill through parliament.
His decision to drop out of the trip comes as the prime minister comes under mounting pressure from members of Parliament and ministers to resign following a disastrous set of local election results.
Kyle had been due to lead the “largest ever” U.K. delegation to the U.S. on Monday for “Greater Together LA,” an initiative led by the Cabinet Office aimed at showcasing U.S.-U.K. partnerships.
A government spokesperson confirmed that Kyle would no longer be joining the trip, citing “important parliamentary business” following the king’s speech on Wednesday. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Small Business Minister Blair McDougall are now expected to attend in Kyle’s place.
