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Political Fix

Will Starmer sink or swim in Trump’s world?

Mar 7, 2025
Miranda Green, a Political Fix regular and Financial Times contributor, along with Robert Shrimsley, another FT columnist, and Felicia Schwartz, a U.S. foreign affairs correspondent, discuss the balancing act of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer amid Trump's influence. They analyze Starmer's diplomatic strategies regarding Ukraine, contrasting them with Macron's approach. The trio also tackles the complexities of post-Brexit diplomacy, the political fallout from military alliance statements, and the ongoing tensions between populism and patriotism in today's political climate.
34:35

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Starmer's strategic approach to the Ukraine crisis has reshaped public perception, positioning him as a strong leadership figure domestically.
  • Navigating Trump's transactional foreign policy complicates long-term UK security goals, requiring a careful balance between immediate outcomes and European concerns.

Deep dives

Keir Starmer's Leadership During Crisis

Keir Starmer has responded to the Ukraine crisis in a way that has significantly altered public perception of his leadership. Amidst criticism of the UK government's apparent lack of direction, Starmer's sober and strategic approach against the backdrop of a chaotic Trump administration has positioned him as a strong and reliable figure domestically. His recent meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky was noteworthy, marking a moment where he effectively presented himself as a serious player on the world stage. While questions remain regarding his ability to secure meaningful outcomes for Ukraine, Starmer's current performance has garnered him admiration and perhaps a path to bolster his party's position in future elections.

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