"Interpreters are not required for visiting US heads of state, but that doesn't mean Donald Trump and Keir Starmer will speak the same language this week. The UK prime minister will practise the art of tactful diplomacy emphasising mutual advantage and historical alliance. Most of the words in that sentence mean nothing to a president who is fluent only in self-interest."
"Given the likelihood of miscommunication between two men from such different political cultures the showbiz demagogue and the lawyer technocrat relations have been remarkably friendly and, in Downing Street's estimation, fruitful. The contrast in styles has been turned to an advantage. The prime minister's quiet solicitousness makes no competitive claim on the president's limelight. Trump has praised Starmer as a good man with a beautiful accent."
"He has agreed trade terms that are marginally less vindictive than the tariff regime applied to the rest of Europe. British lobbying has been instrumental in softening White House disdain for Nato and nudging the president towards scepticism about Vladimir Putin's motives in Ukraine. Managing the transatlantic relationship is one of the few things Starmer's shrinking band of loyalists confidently cite as an achievement. Privately, some of the prime minister's Tory opponents concede the point."
"But in the restive ranks of the Labour party, and a broad swath of public opinion, Trump is seen as a monster whose flimsy favours are not worth the price in national self-abasement. Anyone hoping the state visit may include some hint of official rebuke for the honoured guest's authoritarian character will be disappointed. Flattery and regal pomp to secure Britain's status as Trump's most esteemed tributary are the whole point. Pre-cooked deals on nuclear and tech cooperation will be unveiled."
Donald Trump prioritises self-interest while Keir Starmer practices tactful diplomacy focused on mutual advantage and historical ties. Relations between the two have been friendly and productive, with Starmer's restraint allowing Trump the limelight. Trump praised Starmer and accepted trade terms slightly less punitive than those applied to the rest of Europe. British lobbying helped soften White House disdain for Nato and nudged the president toward scepticism about Putin. Managing the transatlantic relationship stands out as an achievement for Starmer. The state visit will emphasise flattery, pomp and pre-arranged nuclear and tech deals, avoiding public airing of major foreign-policy differences.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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