The Diplomatic Dance: Starmer’s State Visit Invitation to Trump
Time moves swiftly in the corridors of power, and Keir Starmer is acutely aware of this as he plays a high-stakes diplomatic card by inviting President Trump for a remarkable second state visit to the UK. The first visit was hailed as a resounding success, a sentiment Starmer was eager to reiterate. Trump expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the UK, calling King Charles “a beautiful man” and the country itself “fantastic.” It seems that hyperbole has become the norm in international relations.
Initially, the strategy of inviting a flamboyant US leader who revels in royal traditions seemed to be unfolding perfectly. However, circumstances shifted dramatically during Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. What was intended to be a constructive discussion about mineral rights as part of a potential peace agreement turned into a fierce confrontation, exacerbated by Vice President JD Vance’s sharp interjections.
This unexpected turn transformed the anticipated state visit from a clever tactical maneuver aimed at securing Britain’s position in trade and defense with the US, into a contentious issue reflecting the deep divides in perspectives on how to approach the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the treatment of Russia’s aggressive actions.
Over the weekend, Starmer found himself defending the proposed visit against objections from the Scottish National Party (SNP), which insisted that Trump’s arrival at Balmoral should only happen if the US administration unequivocally supported Ukraine. SNP leader John Swinney emphasized the need for a united front before welcoming such a controversial figure.
Furthermore, dissent arose within the Conservative Party, with Tory MP Alicia Kearns expressing reservations about Trump’s previous treatment of Zelensky, suggesting that it rendered him an unwelcome guest in the UK. Kemi Badenoch, however, quickly intervened, clarifying that the views of individual MPs do not represent the official stance of the Conservative Party. She reiterated that the invitation was extended by the King, highlighting the constitutional nature of state visits.
This situation serves as a precursor to how divisive the actual event may become. Both Badenoch and Starmer appear to share a consensus on the importance of maintaining cordial relations with Trump, aiming to prevent the UK from facing similar criticisms as other European nations, which have been chastised by the administration for their defense spending.
- Starmer’s Summit Success: On Sunday, Starmer reveled in the UK’s renewed prominence as he hosted a summit with key European leaders, engaging in reassuring discussions with Zelensky.
- Royal Considerations: King Charles, who has his own views divergent from Trump—especially on issues like internationalism and climate change—will play a crucial role in shaping the visit. His commitment to supporting Ukraine from both moral and practical standpoints remains steadfast.
- Balance of Power: An advisor to the King noted that while the planning for state visits involves the Foreign Office and No 10, the King retains the authority to dictate the visit’s terms.
As the timing of the visit becomes a focal point for both the Foreign Office and the Palace, officials are tasked with ensuring that the momentum in Washington is not lost while also managing Trump’s shifting priorities. A careful balance is required, as the visit has the potential to solidify ties between the two nations, yet it is fraught with risks.
Starmer is particularly cognizant of the optics of the visit, ensuring it does not appear as though the UK is capitulating to US interests, particularly in light of the recent increase in Britain’s defense spending, which some may perceive as a price for a renewed “special relationship.” The prospect of a trade deal with the US remains uncertain, complicating the landscape further. The line between a Prime Minister benefiting from close ties with a powerful US leader and appearing subservient has historically been a delicate one, as many have learned, including Tony Blair.
A senior Foreign Office official’s comment during the 2018 visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—”gritted teeth on parade”—now seems to resonate more than ever, especially amid the increasingly complex dynamics between Trump and Putin. This upcoming state occasion promises to be a tumultuous royal affair, representing a significant gamble for the Prime Minister who has endorsed it.
Anne McElvoy is the executive editor of ‘POLITICO’ and the host of the ‘Power Play’ podcast.
