Lib Dems, Conference Season and Political Picks

President Donald Trump landed in Windsor this week for his historic second state visit to the UK. What ensued was a celebration of pomp and pageantry fit for a king: a Red Arrows flyby, a lavish banquet in a castle, and a press conference at Chequers – during which the president continually heaped praise on the ‘special relationship’. Was this display of UK soft power just symbolic sycophancy, or has it resulted in some real substance? Host George Parker – fresh from the prime minister’s country residence – is joined by Jim Pickard, David Sheppard, and Robert Shrimsley to discuss the dynamics of the ‘special relationship’, the £150bn tech prosperity deal, and whether the prime minister managed to move the dial on the president’s peace keeping efforts. Plus: the panel looks forward to the Liberal Democrat party conference this weekend. 

Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker or Bluesky: @georgewparker.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; David @oilsheppard.bsky.social; Robert @robertshrimsley.bsky.social 

What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com  

Want more? Free links:    

Donald Trump soaks up glory of his second state visit 

What investments did the UK secure during Trump’s state visit? 

Trump tells Starmer to use military to stop illegal migration to Britain 

Donald Trump’s adventures in Windsorland

Double standards and the problem with bending to Trump 

Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer

Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.