As the US and UK prepare for their summit, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces a daunting task. With no useful precedent to guide him, he must navigate Donald Trump’s unconventional foreign policy approach. The key challenge lies in striking a balance between engaging with Trump on his own terms while coaxing him towards a more nuanced understanding of events.
Trump’s disdain for NATO stems from the perception that Europeans rely too heavily on American resources. Starmer can leverage this by highlighting the UK’s pledge to increase defense spending, which he hopes will buy some traction in discussions about Ukraine’s future. He must also reiterate the French president Emmanuel Macron’s warning that Russia cannot be trusted without a significant deterrent.
The prime minister should argue that Trump’s interests align with sustainable security guarantees for Ukraine, as this would enhance American prestige and commercial opportunities. However, Starmer must avoid inflaming Trump’s temper by standing up to false information and disinformation. He has already effectively rebuffed Trump’s misrepresentation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The UK’s strategic interest in facts forming the basis of international diplomacy takes precedence over accommodation with Trump’s caprice. Speaking truth to power, both publicly and privately, is essential for a prime minister navigating such complex waters. Starmer must tread carefully but firmly, as his mission is not only driven by ethics but also by the need to protect British interests.
Starmer’s approach will require considerable tact and strategic thinking. By acknowledging Trump’s pride while pushing for a more sophisticated understanding of events, he can help forge a viable alternative to hasty deals with Vladimir Putin. Ultimately, Starmer must find a middle ground where UK national interests converge with Trump’s personal vanity.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/26/the-guardian-view-on-starmer-in-washington-dont-compromise-on-the-truth