FT News Briefing Swamp Notes: Elections across the Atlantic
Jun 15, 2024
Lucy Fisher, FT's Whitehall editor and host of Political Fix, dives into the intriguing parallels between UK and US politics. She discusses how Margaret Thatcher’s 1979 victory foreshadowed Reagan's rise and explores the implications of the looming UK general election on the US presidential race. The conversation highlights shifting voter attitudes, the emergence of right-wing alternatives, and concerns over declining political engagement in both countries. With political scandals shaping public sentiment, the upcoming elections could see surprising outcomes.
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UK-US Relations Under Starmer and Trump
- A potential Labour victory in the UK could complicate US-UK relations if Trump is also elected.
- Keir Starmer has pledged to work with any US president, but his likely foreign secretary, David Lammy, has strongly criticized Trump.
Trump's Transactional Politics
- Trump's transactional approach to politics might allow for a working relationship despite past criticisms.
- The UK election isn't a major factor in US political discourse.
UK Political Landscape
- UK voter dissatisfaction with the Conservatives is driving a potential shift in power, not necessarily a swing to the left.
- The rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party indicates a potential increase in right-wing sentiment.