Kowtowing to Trump

You couldn’t get more different people than Trump and Starmer.

Starmer - whatever his private opinion about Trumpmand his chaotic and unpleasant transactional policies - is the prime Minister of the U.K., and as such is responsible for doing what is best for the U.K. however you may think of Starmer - the straight-laced legal beagle - it is thought by most (DM and other like rags, excepted) that he did a good job watching the UKs back.

The only unresolved issue - not unexpectedly- is defence.

I think now all eyes in Europe must turn to their leaders and expect them to step up.

It doesn’t surprise me that some on here are criticising KS. He can do nothing right for some people🤷‍♀️

What do these armchair critics suggest he could have done that would have been better for all concerned - UK, Ukraine & Europe?

I think we should thank the King. From what I’ve read Charles has been writing to Trump over the past 4 years so kept the channels open even when everyone thought Trump was dead and buried. So I don’t think Starmer had to persuade King Charles. I think Charles will do his best for this country, including inviting Trump to Balmoral when Trump is visiting his golf course in Scotland.

It was like a comedy act listening to Starmer buttering up Trump. He’s now being called Starmer the Charmer.

We don’t live in the dark ages Galaxy, I’m sure everybody already knows that, and most of us have young people in our lives who keep us abreast of what’s happening on social media? When it comes to a meeting like that I trust the world media more than I trust the views of individuals on social media to know how well the meeting went compared with how it could have gone.

Galaxy

People in general are moving away from MSM, and certainly have less trust in them. Its partly what happened in the states, and particularly applies to the way young people access information.

Yes, I’ve heard this before, but where is the source of highly accurate intel?

Starmer did what was necessary.

I have absolutely no doubt that the words stuck in his craw - but he did a good job.

The growing figures of podcasts etc, the way young people access social media, the way Joe Rogan was important and say oprah Winfrey wasnt as important. Newspaper declining readership.

Galaxy

Well in general the media are way way out of line with what people are thinking.

What people?

I think both Starmer and Macron have done a good job in dealing with Trump.

Mamie

I think both Starmer and Macron have done a good job in dealing with Trump.

Yes I do agree.

Now they must look to themselves and sort out defence of Europe pdq

So do I, Mamie. They've done what they had to do.

Time will tell…..

Barleyfields

Of course Trump wanted his State visit. He’s a shallow narcissist. We knew an invitation would be forthcoming so there’s no brownie points for Starmer in that. It remains to be seen how Trump will treat the UK after he’s had his ego stroked with pomp and pageantry. He wouldn’t queer his pitch before that. I wouldn’t trust him an inch.

Will Khan allow an orange Trump baby balloon wearing a nappy to float above London when Trump visits again? That was so disrespectful.

We finally finished paying the U.S. and Canada for war reparations in December 2006. So I guess Ukraine will have to do the same one way or the other. I'm no fan of Starmer but I thought, bearing in mind how unpredictable D.T is, that he handled that press conference pretty well. I don't think you need to pity the King, like his mother, he is well capable of handling all sorts of leaders, with charm and diplomacy, even Ceausescu!

No matter what we think of Trump world leaders have to deal with him. Starmer and Macron made the best of a bad job.
Now they need to double down on strengthening Europe’s defences.

So basically Trump achieved his aim. Forcing Europe to up the ante on defence. Result. Europe has been tardy in this respect for too long, now they act.

Shinamae

Time will tell…..

Yes, particularly bearing in mind Trumps unpredictability.

Good article in The Economist describing Trumps presidency as a Mafia outfit. That really tells you all you need to know.

I found it nauseating too, but what choice did he have? I feel pretty sure that, had he been argumentative or asked obviously difficult questions, the UK would have paid the price. And then, of course, all Starmer's detractors would have torn him to pieces.

Trump is a bully but when he has so much power it is very difficult to openly confront him.

I thought the wretched state visit was offered too soon. Wld have been better to hum and hah or not mention it until peace had been secured in Ukraine on reasonable terms. It’s the one thing Trump wants. Our trump card, Ho Ho, and we could have held it back for a bit.

Why do people assume World Leaders hate Trump? You don't stroke the arm of a man whose words 'stick in your craw'; or collapse in giggles (Macron). I suggest they know things we don't or maybe just good diplomacy.
Balmoral is brilliant choice of venue. Far from the 'maddened crowd' for a start.

So looking to the future, and in an ideal world.

Europe will become independent of the US regarding defence, and as a one of the worlds largest economic blocks, Trump will not be able to push Europe around.

Win-win. (We just need to re-join the block)

According to BBC News
‘Balmoral is only about 58 miles (93km) from the Trump International golf resort in Menie, where he is due to open a new course named after his mother this summer.‘
Not a coincidence I would guess.

Casdon

According to BBC News
‘Balmoral is only about 58 miles (93km) from the Trump International golf resort in Menie, where he is due to open a new course named after his mother this summer.‘
Not a coincidence I would guess.

No - the Kibg mentioned it in his letter

King!

Well done that King! Keeping Trump away from showboating opportunities in London is a good plan.