Pod Save the UK

Dear Donald: Can Starmer Tame Trump? w/ Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey

Feb 27, 2025

Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, dives into the implications of the UK's boosted defense budget, revealing how it jeopardizes foreign aid for the world's poorest. He advocates for taxing big tech as an alternative funding source. With a dash of humor, the discussion touches on Keir Starmer's upcoming visit to the U.S. and how to tackle Trump's leadership style. They also explore innovative ways to engage the public on climate change—like the surprising connection to kebabs. It's a lively take on politics and diplomacy!

49:08

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Episode guests

Ed Davey

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Keir Starmer faces diplomatic challenges with Trump, aiming for US security guarantees against Russia while managing trade threats.

Sir Ed Davey proposes increased taxes on big tech as an alternative funding source, highlighting the debate on foreign aid cuts.

Kemi Badenoch's struggle to connect with voters and articulate policies raises questions about her leadership effectiveness in the Conservative Party.

Deep dives

Keir Starmer's Diplomatic Challenge

Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with US President Trump presents significant diplomatic challenges, particularly concerning Ukraine. Starmer aims to persuade the US to provide security guarantees that would help deter Russian aggression, marking a crucial moment in his leadership. He plans to address trade issues, as Trump's threats of tariffs loom over the UK economy. By increasing UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by cuts to foreign aid, Starmer seeks to demonstrate the UK's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amidst shifting international dynamics.

Intro

4min

Navigating Diplomatic Waters

9min

Trump's Leadership Dynamics

6min

Navigating Political Alliances: UK and US Dynamics

12min

Framing Perspectives: Ads and Defense

6min

Political Leadership and the Rising Right

9min

Addressing Far-Right Rhetoric with Economic Solutions

7min

War - what is it good for? Absolutely nothing. But this week we found out that defending the UK from it is going to cost us a lot of money. And the losers will be the world's poorest people - the money for Britain's boosted defence budget will come from foreign aid.

Sir Ed Davey - leader of the Lib Dems - tells Coco he has an alternative: bigger taxes on big tech (and some other ideas). And Coco goes a bit Yoko Ono, wondering how we give peace a chance.

Zoe Grunewald steps in for Nish as the pod asks what Macron can teach Starmer about Trump wrangling. And we send out a search for Kemi Badenoch… Has anyone seen her? As Ed Davey presents a credible opposition voice to the Government - the Tory leader is missing in action: last seen in a right wing podcast vortex.

While Kemi Badenoch struggles to cut through, the Climate Change Commission has thought of an ingenious way to get us to act on net zero. The humble kebab.

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Guests
Ed Davey
Zoë Grünewald

Audio Credits
UK Gov
PBS News
ABC News

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