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The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Starmer & Trump: a (qualified) victory?

Feb 28, 2025
Keir Starmer returns from a meeting with Donald Trump, but is the victory all it seems? The conversation explores the implications for UK-US relations and Ukraine's support. Is Zelensky outsmarting Trump with a rare minerals deal? The podcast also dives into Trump's 'mob boss' diplomacy and the chaotic nature of his foreign policy. Additionally, there's a look at how the UK might pivot towards Europe, possibly with Putin's provocations paving the way!
20:35

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Starmer's diplomatic meeting with Trump was framed as a success, though it lacked substantial commitments regarding military support for Ukraine.
  • The podcast emphasized the need for the UK to recalibrate its strategy towards Europe, driven by evolving geopolitical dynamics and increased cooperation.

Deep dives

Keir Starmer's Meeting with Trump: A Delicate Balance

Keir Starmer's first official meeting with President Trump focused on the UK's position in global trade and the crisis in Ukraine. Starmer needed to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy while avoiding potential embarrassments, particularly around the sensitive issue of American tariffs on British goods. Overall, the meeting was characterized by positive language and avoided outright confrontations, which was seen as a diplomatic victory for Starmer. However, the lack of concrete agreements on Ukraine raised questions about the effectiveness of Starmer's approach to maintaining UK interests in a pivotal moment.

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