Starmer has Trump’s ear – but is he listening?published at 19:18 British Summer Time 28 July
19:18 BST 28 July
Chris Mason
Political editor in Aberdeenshire
Image source, Getty Images
This notionally ‘private’
trip for President Trump, is actually very public.
The president’s private
interests, talked up in public office, even down to the quality of the plywood
at Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course. And all this on his first trip to the
UK since his re-election, but just weeks before he makes an unprecedented
second state visit here in September.
Oh yes, and diplomacy on not one but two
golf courses.
For Keir Starmer, invaluable face time with President Trump, even sharing a lift on Air Force One; burnishing a relationship as solid as it is improbable.
The jeopardy, riding shotgun with a free-wheeling president at ease shooting
the breeze with reporters seemingly forever.
Starmer, interjecting with care, to defend the mayor of London, heavily criticised by the president, to explain
his immigration policy, and his outlook on Gaza, for instance.
An earlier rolling
encounter with reporters took No 10 by surprise. The prime minister’s wife,
standing next to the president, perfecting her poker face as the questions – and answers – flowed and flowed.
As ever, the key question is what can this
relationship deliver for the UK: in the Middle East, Ukraine, and on trade.
Each,
frankly, a work in progress, but there’s little doubting the prime minister has
the president’s ear.
