OPINION
Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Credit where credit’s due: Sir Keir Starmer pulled off a real zinger in his visit to meet President at the White House.
Publicly producing an official invite from the King for a second state visit was guaranteed to win over the half-British and pro-monarchy President.
Talk of a UK-US trade deal in the Oval Office was likely more than anyone could have hoped for meanwhile. Now of course the hard graft begins.
Sir Keir seemingly and smartly drew a dividing line between the EU and the UK, knowing how much Trump detests the way Brussels has behaved towards American companies of late.
Perhaps Sir Keir still wants to get into bed with Brussels, but he was smart enough not to show that to the Eurosceptic President.
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The charm offensive worked. Perhaps taking a leaf out of ‘s book, the PM realised that relationships mean everything to President Trump who clearly warmed to the Labour leader despite their political differences.
London has long served as a bridge between the EU and the US. Now comes the task of keeping both on side, while hopefully rebuilding long neglected ties with the Commonwealth too.
The UK – as a trading nation – needs strong trade ties. That starts with the world’s largest economy. Sure, trade with the EU remains vital but there is good reason why the US economy is currently shooting past a sclerotic EU.
Britain has traditionally had a more open economy than that of the EU. – if used correctly – affords the UK the opportunity to become even more open to trade and investment, more dynamic, more innovative, and better prepared for tomorrow’s world.
Sir Keir and Trump hardly see eye to eye on most public policy matters, included, but even the thorny issue of the Eastern European war could not dampen this friendly and productive meeting.
Whatever deal can be thrashed out – if any – remains to be seen. Moreover, the Trump meeting likely won’t save Sir Keir and his poll ratings. But the PM will take the win nonetheless.