Newscast The Week Ahead: Will Starmer Win Over Trump?
Feb 22, 2025
Lord Peter Ricketts, former UK National Security Advisor and UK Ambassador to France, shares his insights on Sir Keir Starmer's diplomatic mission to Washington. He discusses the delicate balance Starmer must strike between U.S. and Ukrainian interests and how this reflects on transatlantic relations. Ricketts also contrasts Starmer’s and Macron’s approaches to winning over Trump, emphasizing the importance of personal diplomacy. The conversation sheds light on the geopolitical shifts impacting American-European relations and the challenges ahead for UK defense policies.
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Trump's Surprising Actions
- Donald Trump's recent actions, like calling Zelensky a dictator, have surprised European leaders.
- These actions align with his campaign promises, raising questions about the leaders' surprise.
Prepare for Trump
- Diplomats should have prepared for Trump's return.
- They should have been lobbying him earlier, instead of claiming the election was too close to call.
Starmer's Risks
- Keir Starmer faces risks during his White House visit, including potential snubs and pressure from Trump.
- The unpredictability of the visit is heightened by the fast-moving news cycle and Trump's nature.