Sky News Daily Starmer meets Trump - but how does he prepare?
Feb 19, 2025
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times and co-author of "Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer," joins the discussion to unpack Keir Starmer's diplomatic strategy as he prepares to meet Donald Trump. They explore the delicate balance Starmer must strike between US relations and European politics. Pogrund highlights the unpredictability of such high-stakes meetings and the pragmatic approaches Starmer's team is adopting, including 'progressive realism' to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape.
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Episode notes
Starmer's Bridge-Building Role
- Keir Starmer aims to bridge the US and Europe, resurrecting Britain's mediating role.
- He seeks to explain each side's position to the other, navigating Trump's Euroscepticism.
The "US Backstop"
- Starmer proposed a "US backstop" to any Ukraine peace deal, echoing Brexit terminology.
- This suggests the US should be involved, addressing Europe's anxieties about concessions to Russia.
Risks and Sacrifices
- While acknowledging Trump's point about Europe's defense reliance on the US, the potential deployment of UK troops raises risks.
- The question arises whether this offer is genuine or a gesture to appease Trump.
