Donald Trump’s inauguration will be a bad day for Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
With ’s return to the White House, the global political landscape is about to shift dramatically, and Britain should be positioning itself to take advantage of this monumental change.
Yet instead of grasping the opportunity, Starmer appears more interested in pleasing foreign elites than standing up for British interests. His dithering leadership and failure to prioritise national sovereignty risk leaving Britain sidelined at a time when a new partnership with America could have propelled the nation forward.
Trump’s return offers a clear opportunity for countries like the UK. His “America First” philosophy, while criticised by many, reflects a leader determined to deliver results for his people — whether through strengthening domestic industries, reducing bureaucracy, or securing national borders.
Contrast that with , who, rather than focusing on what matters to ordinary Britons, has spent much of his premiership touring the globe. In just five months, he’s been abroad for 26 days, cozying up to the and even China. Neither Brussels nor Beijing has Britain’s interests at heart, and yet Starmer continues to waste precious political capital chasing their approval.
At home, Starmer faces mounting criticism for economic stagnation, high taxes, and uncontrolled immigration. Abroad, his failure to assert Britain’s sovereignty is glaring. Nowhere is this clearer than in his mishandling of the Chagos Islands. Despite the islands being a vital military asset in the Indian Ocean and a key point of UK-US strategic cooperation, Starmer has shown a willingness to negotiate their fate, a move certainly disapproves of.
This is more than just a diplomatic gaffe — it’s a national security blunder. Trump, whose foreign policy is defined by pragmatism and strength, won’t take kindly to a UK Prime Minister ready to give away such a critical asset. The contrast with Reform UK leader, couldn’t be starker.
Farage, a long-time ally of Trump and vocal advocate of British sovereignty, understands the importance of standing firm on such issues. It’s no coincidence that Farage has been invited to Trump’s upcoming inauguration, while Starmer has been left out in the cold.
When Trump returns, Europe can expect pressure to ramp up on defence spending. Trump has never hidden his disdain for NATO allies who fail to meet their commitments, and he will undoubtedly demand greater contributions from European nations.
Starmer’s vague promise to increase Britain’s defence spending to 2.5% of GDP — without any timeline or clear strategy — won’t cut it. Britain needs decisive leadership to ensure it isn’t caught off guard when the US begins demanding more from its allies. Starmer’s lack of clarity on this critical issue only adds to the perception of a Prime Minister out of his depth.
Beyond defence, trade will be another contentious issue. Trump’s protectionist instincts and willingness to use tariffs as leverage could pose serious challenges to Britain’s economy. During his first term, Trump made it clear that trade deals must benefit American workers. If Starmer continues to fumble his foreign policy, British businesses risk being left at the mercy of a US administration that prioritises its own interests.
Without a coherent trade strategy, Britain will struggle to navigate Trump’s tough negotiating style.
Then there’s immigration. Trump’s hardline stance on border security is likely to reignite global debates on migration control. While Trump will focus on deporting illegal immigrants and securing the US-Mexico border, Starmer remains woefully vague on how he plans to tackle Britain’s own border crisis.
With illegal and legal migration continuing to surge and public frustration mounting, Starmer’s indecision could have serious political consequences at home.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Trump’s return presents Britain with a chance to realign itself as a strong, sovereign nation capable of forging a meaningful partnership with the US. But under Starmer’s weak and directionless leadership, Britain risks missing out on potential benefits while bearing the brunt of Trump’s tough policies.
Meanwhile, disillusionment with the two main parties is growing. The public is fed up with politicians who fail to deliver on key issues like the economy, border control, and national security. Reform UK, led by Farage, is beginning to resonate with voters who want a government that prioritises sovereignty and economic prosperity. If Trump’s America flourishes under his second term, the British people will inevitably begin to ask why their own government isn’t following suit.
Starmer has already wasted too much time chasing foreign approval instead of defending Britain’s interests. Unless he changes course quickly, it won’t be long before voters turn to alternative leaders — ones who, like Trump, are willing to put their country first.