As Donald Trump kicks off his threatened commerce struggle by slapping tariffs on each pals and foes alike, Quantity 10 is getting ready for the second he turns his consideration to the UK.
The unpredictability of the returning president, emboldened by a second time period, means the prime minister should plan for each attainable state of affairs.
Beneath regular circumstances, the particular relationship is perhaps the idea for particular therapy however the early indicators counsel, possibly not.
It was by no means going to be a simple experience, with Sir Keir Starmer’s high workforce racking up years of insults towards Trump once they have been in opposition.
The dangerous feeling continued when Peter Mandelson was proposed because the UK’s new ambassador to the US – prompting hypothesis he may even be vetoed.
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Amid all of this, the much-anticipated name between the 2 leaders appeared gradual to happen, though it was cordial when POTUS lastly picked up the cellphone final Sunday, with a visit to Washington to come back “soon”.
It’s towards this barely tense backdrop that the way forward for transatlantic commerce will probably be determined, with Westminster braced for the impression of the president’s subsequent transfer.
So, it is unsurprising that as he waits, Sir Keir will spend the following few days resetting a distinct buying and selling relationship – with Europe.
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On this space, he’s on barely firmer floor, because the spectre of a worldwide commerce struggle makes European leaders need to huddle nearer collectively to climate the storm.
And conversely, the Labour authorities’s observe report works of their favour right here, as they money of their pro-EU credentials and wipe the slate clear after the bad-tempered Boris Johnson years.
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Ursula von der Leyen and Keir Starmer tackle the media in Brussels in October. Pic: Reuters
It’s nonetheless, nevertheless, an bold and dangerous endeavour to start the fragile means of eradicating a number of the most obstructive post-Brexit forms.
For minimal financial advantages on each side, the UK should persuade the Europeans that they aren’t letting Britain “have its cake and eat it”.
On the similar time, Brexiteers again at dwelling will cry betrayal at any trace that the UK is sneaking again into the bloc through the again door.
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Pic: Reuters
To make it even trickier, it should all be carried out with one eye on Washington, as a result of whereas a united Europe could also be crucial within the Trump period, the prime minister is not going to need to look like he’s choosing sides so early on.
As with so many issues in politics, it is a delicate balancing act with probably the most severe of penalties, for a main minister who continues to be to show himself.
