Why Donald Trump Could be a Major Challenge for the British Government

[Social Media]

 

Keir Starmer, the British prime minister and a leader who values rule of law and a moderate approach, now faces an unexpected challenge: Donald Trump’s return to the political stage. For Starmer, Trump’s unpredictable and controversial approach may create a nightmare scenario, contrasting starkly with the British prime minister’s principles and posing a diplomatic challenge. "I don’t think you will find a leader around the world less like Donald Trump than Keir Starmer," noted Tom Baldwin, a biographer of Starmer. Indeed, while Starmer champions a calm and measured leadership style, Trump’s brash and combative nature presents a tough obstacle.

 

 

Throughout his first presidency, Trump challenged U.S. allies nearly as much as he confronted adversaries. His actions often stirred tensions over issues like trade and defense spending, and in the British context, he placed considerable pressure around Brexit negotiations. Some predict that a second Trump presidency could bring an even more forceful approach. "He butted heads pretty good between 2016 and 2020," shared a Republican staffer in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But I feel he thinks he gave way a little bit too much."

 

Starmer, who ascended to the premiership on a solid electoral victory, is now one of the few influential center-left figures on the world stage. With leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz facing difficulties, Starmer may find himself facing Trump’s assertive style without much external support. However, he is not without strategic tools.

 

David Lammy UK Foreign Secretary on his views of Trump back in 2017

LAMMY - foreign relations with the US may require a change of Foreign Secretary.

Hearts and minds 🤣

pic.twitter.com/PbyIzVuAwj

— Bernie (@Artemisfornow) November 6, 2024

 

The British PM has maintained key diplomatic ties through Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.K. Ambassador to Washington Karen Pierce. Lammy has even reached out to Trump’s prospective vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, despite having criticized Trump in the past. Some believe Pierce might stay on a bit longer than planned, lending continuity to British efforts to connect with Trump’s team. "It might only be an extra year or so," said a Washington-based consultant. "The start of the administration is just so critical."

 

While Trump’s critics argue he values personal relationships in diplomacy, others, like Alex Gray, a former deputy assistant to Trump, suggest his real focus is on competitive national interests. "He views the personal aspect of diplomacy as being very important, but I think observers can also overstate the importance of personality in this stuff," Gray commented. In the end, the substance of policy decisions may matter more than individual relationships.

 

After Starmer’s win in July, Trump initially praised his longtime ally, Nigel Farage, who managed to win five seats in the House of Commons with Reform UK. Trump did acknowledge Starmer’s electoral success when they met in New York that September, but this did not eliminate the potential for diplomatic tensions. From the ongoing Ukraine conflict to trade issues and Britain’s recent decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to the Maldives, there is no shortage of possible flashpoints. Moreover, Starmer might find that a controlled disagreement with Trump could serve as a political tool.

 

"It’s not always going to be to Keir Starmer’s detriment to have occasional public disagreements with Trump," shared a former advisor to Theresa May.

As Starmer prepares for a potential Trump return, he will need to focus on maintaining the core aspects of the U.K.-U.S. relationship, all while balancing the challenges Trump may bring. "Starmer will need to deploy his best diplomatic skills in order to protect the essential elements of the U.K.-U.S. alliance and prioritize issues that Britain can bring most influence to," explained Owen, a former Labour advisor. To achieve this, Starmer will likely need to navigate Trump’s often tumultuous style, sidestepping unnecessary disputes in order to safeguard a strong transatlantic alliance.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2024-11-07

 

 

 

[RichardColeman]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump’s unpredictable and controversial approach may create a nightmare scenario

Yes, that's true, Trump puts America first whilst Starmer puts everybody else first. Quids out pensioners, quids in immigrants

[JonnyF]

Good, I hope Trump gives Starmer (and especially Lammy) hell. 

 

I'm sure Farage will be happy to assist. 

[jippytum]

Starmer was at fault sending 100 Volunteers to canvas for Harris pre election. 

I hope Trump and Farage wipe the floor with Starmer our UK minister of sleaze. 

[Chomper Higgot]

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Good, I hope Trump gives Starmer (and especially Lammy) hell. 

 

I'm sure Farage will be happy to assist. 

Farage willing to help a foreign power would not be a surprise.

 

Why you would wish him to do so is.

 

 

[JonnyF]

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Farage willing to help a foreign power would not be a surprise.

 

Why you would wish him to do so is.

 

 

 

The UK and the US have always had a special relationship.

 

Lammy has potentially damaged it with his inane comments about Trump. Farage could help repair that. 

[thaibeachlovers]

34 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Yes, that's true, Trump puts America first whilst Starmer puts everybody else first. Quids out pensioners, quids in immigrants

How much is he giving Ukraine while old people may freeze to death in the UK?

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Keir Starmer, the British prime minister and a leader who values rule of law and a moderate approach,

and possibly the most despised PM since Thatcher.

[JonnyF]

6 minutes ago, jippytum said:

Starmer was at fault sending 100 Volunteers to canvas for Harris pre election. 

I hope Trump and Farage wipe the floor with Starmer our UK minister of sleaze. 

 

Hopefully Trump will return the favour at the UK's next election and help get rid of 2 Tier Keir and his merry band of imbeciles. 

 

 

[JonnyF]

Just now, thaibeachlovers said:

and possibly the most despised PM since Thatcher.

 

Give him time, he's only had 6 months.

 

He can fall much further than this. Especially if Trump sticks the boot in. Which hopefully he will. 

[Chomper Higgot]

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

The UK and the US have always had a special relationship.

 

Lammy has potentially damaged it with his inane comments about Trump. Farage could help repair that. 

That special relationship has always been a one way street.

 

The French also claim a special relationship, and Trump boasts of his special relationship with a few other national leaders.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Give him time, he's only had 6 months.

 

He can fall much further than this. Especially if Trump sticks the boot in. Which hopefully he will. 

But of Brit hating going on there Jonny?

 

 

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Chomper Higgot

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

But of Brit hating going on there Jonny?

 

 

 

 

 

I don't hate anyone or anything. Especially Britain.

 

I do have nothing but contempt for Starmer though. 

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

I don't hate anyone or anything. Especially Britain.

 

I do have nothing but contempt for Starmer though. 

And a sudden wish for foreign interference in UK domestic politics.

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Chomper Higgot

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

And a sudden wish for foreign interference in UK domes politics.

 

Only equal and opposite to Labour's in the US elections.

 

Maybe 100 GOP officials to campaign in key seats? Fair's fair.  

[Eloquent pilgrim]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

contrasting starkly with the British prime minister’s principles

 

He hasn't got any 

[Eloquent pilgrim]

 

In a very short time, Starmer has established a huge catalogue of errors; none more erroneous than appointing David Lammy as Foreign Secretary. Lammy is vehemently anti-American, anti-British, and antisemitic; he is the worst kind of racist, because he thinks that only white people can be racist.

 

One of his first moves was to approve funding again for the Hamas affiliated ‘Agency’ UNRWA; then he cancelled export licences to Israel, all to appease the muslim block vote in the UK; Israel, who after America, are the UK’s most important source of antiterrorism intelligence. He has berated, insulted, and derided the President of the USA, he is an absolute disaster, and a disgusting, disingenuous human being. What in god’s name has happened to my country ?

 

 

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Eloquent pilgrim

[Bkk Brian]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

David Lammy UK Foreign Secretary on his views of Trump back in 2017

Lammy has some serious sucking up to do.......lol

[JonnyF]

6 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Lammy has some serious sucking up to do.......lol

 

Resigning would be more appropriate at this stage.

 

The bloke is an imbecile. 

[Yagoda]

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Yes, that's true, Trump puts America first whilst Starmer puts everybody else first. Quids out pensioners, quids in immigrants

 

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Good, I hope Trump gives Starmer (and especially Lammy) hell. 

 

I'm sure Farage will be happy to assist. 

Being a Yank, Im not qualified to comment on your politics. Most of my friends are Labour, even though they think everyone in politics is a "dirty posh t8w8at" except Corbyn.  But Im more concerned with what now makes you great, Footie!

 

I hear Manchester has tons of good weed.

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Keir Starmer, the British prime minister and a leader who values rule of law and a moderate approach, now faces an unexpected challenge: Donald Trump’s return to the political stage. For Starmer, Trump’s unpredictable and controversial approach may create a nightmare scenario, contrasting starkly with the British prime minister’s principles and posing a diplomatic challenge. "I don’t think you will find a leader around the world less like Donald Trump than Keir Starmer," noted Tom Baldwin, a biographer of Starmer. Indeed, while Starmer champions a calm and measured leadership style, Trump’s brash and combative nature presents a tough obstacle.

 

 

Throughout his first presidency, Trump challenged U.S. allies nearly as much as he confronted adversaries. His actions often stirred tensions over issues like trade and defense spending, and in the British context, he placed considerable pressure around Brexit negotiations. Some predict that a second Trump presidency could bring an even more forceful approach. "He butted heads pretty good between 2016 and 2020," shared a Republican staffer in Washington, speaking on condition of anonymity. "But I feel he thinks he gave way a little bit too much."

 

Starmer, who ascended to the premiership on a solid electoral victory, is now one of the few influential center-left figures on the world stage. With leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf Scholz facing difficulties, Starmer may find himself facing Trump’s assertive style without much external support. However, he is not without strategic tools.

 

David Lammy UK Foreign Secretary on his views of Trump back in 2017

 

The British PM has maintained key diplomatic ties through Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.K. Ambassador to Washington Karen Pierce. Lammy has even reached out to Trump’s prospective vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, despite having criticized Trump in the past. Some believe Pierce might stay on a bit longer than planned, lending continuity to British efforts to connect with Trump’s team. "It might only be an extra year or so," said a Washington-based consultant. "The start of the administration is just so critical."

 

While Trump’s critics argue he values personal relationships in diplomacy, others, like Alex Gray, a former deputy assistant to Trump, suggest his real focus is on competitive national interests. "He views the personal aspect of diplomacy as being very important, but I think observers can also overstate the importance of personality in this stuff," Gray commented. In the end, the substance of policy decisions may matter more than individual relationships.

 

 

After Starmer’s win in July, Trump initially praised his longtime ally, Nigel Farage, who managed to win five seats in the House of Commons with Reform UK. Trump did acknowledge Starmer’s electoral success when they met in New York that September, but this did not eliminate the potential for diplomatic tensions. From the ongoing Ukraine conflict to trade issues and Britain’s recent decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to the Maldives, there is no shortage of possible flashpoints. Moreover, Starmer might find that a controlled disagreement with Trump could serve as a political tool.

 

"It’s not always going to be to Keir Starmer’s detriment to have occasional public disagreements with Trump," shared a former advisor to Theresa May.

As Starmer prepares for a potential Trump return, he will need to focus on maintaining the core aspects of the U.K.-U.S. relationship, all while balancing the challenges Trump may bring. "Starmer will need to deploy his best diplomatic skills in order to protect the essential elements of the U.K.-U.S. alliance and prioritize issues that Britain can bring most influence to," explained Owen, a former Labour advisor. To achieve this, Starmer will likely need to navigate Trump’s often tumultuous style, sidestepping unnecessary disputes in order to safeguard a strong transatlantic alliance.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2024-11-07

 

 

 

Yes, possible. Another government gave up this morning: Germany. 

So, these are the first results of Trump's election.

[JonnyF]

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Yes, possible. Another government gave up this morning: Germany. 

So, these are the first results of Trump's election.

 

The EU are massive hypocrites. Their whole ethos is based on protectionism, tariffs and trade/regulatory barriers for anyone outside their special club (especially if you dare to leave), but when someone else wants to do it they cry foul.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe-congratulates-trump-amid-worries-about-his-return-white-house-2024-11-06/

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

The EU are massive hypocrites. Their whole ethos is based on protectionism, tariffs and trade/regulatory barriers for anyone outside their special club (especially if you dare to leave), but when someone else wants to do it they cry foul.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe-congratulates-trump-amid-worries-about-his-return-white-house-2024-11-06/

 

 

 

We'll see after the next year

[baansgr]

21 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Resigning would be more appropriate at this stage.

 

The bloke is an imbecile. 

He's deleted all his tweets from years ago..must be getting worried about what he said about Trump..the man is a loon

[JonnyF]

2 minutes ago, baansgr said:

He's deleted all his tweets from years ago..must be getting worried about what he said about Trump..the man is a loon

 

He must be disappointed that they were screengrabbed and reposted by thousands of users on X 😆.

[Yagoda]

13 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

The EU are massive hypocrites. Their whole ethos is based on protectionism, tariffs and trade/regulatory barriers for anyone outside their special club (especially if you dare to leave), but when someone else wants to do it they cry foul.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe-congratulates-trump-amid-worries-about-his-return-white-house-2024-11-06/

 

 

 

Im sure the continent is worried...Because you cant have Guns and Butter

https://brusselssignal.eu/2024/11/europe-finds-butter-delicious-and-guns-too-pricey-to-pay-for-defence/

[Thingamabob]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

The UK and the US have always had a special relationship.

 

Lammy has potentially damaged it with his inane comments about Trump. Farage could help repair that. 

I would like to see Farage incentivised to resign his seat in the UK parliament and accept an appointment as the UK's ambassador in the USA, replacing Karen Pierce who has already served a four year term there. 

[Bday Prang]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Good, I hope Trump gives Starmer (and especially Lammy) hell. 

 

I'm sure Farage will be happy to assist. 

Yes they only have themselves to blame,, they  should have thought a bit harder before saying such nasty things about him, 

[sammieuk1]

Fear not Keirs father was a toolmaker Rachel wants' her black hole filling all that's needed is a convicted sex offender to forge the special relationship  🤔

[Bday Prang]

"David Lammy"  another shining example of the failings of the quota system,  are we really expected to believe that he was appointed on merit ?     That there really  was nobody more suitable, ?