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.
Keir Starmer aims to position himself as a diplomatic bridge between the U.S. and Europe amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Starmer's strategy includes fostering rapport with Trump while redefining Britain’s post-Brexit role and addressing European concerns.
Deep dives
Keir Starmer's Diplomatic Challenge
Keir Starmer faces a complex diplomatic challenge as he prepares for a meeting with Donald Trump, aiming to position himself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe in the wake of a changing geopolitical landscape. He seeks to address concerns surrounding Russia's involvement in Ukraine while reassuring the U.S. of Europe’s commitment to defense. Starmer's approach includes potentially offering UK troops on the ground, a bold move intended to demonstrate Britain's willingness to contribute to peacekeeping efforts. This balancing act is made more difficult by the need to appease both the U.S. administration and European allies, highlighting the precarious nature of his position.
The Backstop Analogy in Diplomacy
The term 'backstop,' familiar from Brexit discussions, emerges as a crucial element in Starmer's strategy, reflecting his intent for a U.S. guarantee on any future agreements concerning Ukraine. He advocates for the U.S. to be integrally involved, ensuring that European perspectives and anxieties are adequately conveyed to Trump. This echoes a broader trend where Starmer attempts to reshape the narrative of Britain's post-Brexit role while advocating for Europe to also meet the U.S. halfway. By employing familiar political language from Brexit, Starmer aims to resonate with both sides while maintaining focus on the diplomatic nuances at play.
Building Relations with Trump
Starmer's ability to foster a relationship with Donald Trump will depend largely on his capability to navigate the transactional nature of Trump’s politics. The apparent willingness from the Trump camp to engage with Starmer, despite their previous differences, suggests a pragmatic approach to international relations. Starmer's team has been careful to avoid public condemnation of Trump, focusing instead on establishing a rapport that acknowledges Trump's influence on U.S. policy. This strategic positioning reflects an overarching philosophy in Starmer's administration, prioritizing engagement and pragmatism over performative politics in order to stabilize British interests with a potentially unpredictable U.S. leadership.
Sophy Ridge guest hosts this episode with a look ahead to Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump next week.
He was already going to have a tightrope to walk as the potential bridge between the new White House administration and an out-of-favour Europe - but how will the PM handle the President's comments about Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
Joining Sophy is Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times. He's also co-author of the book `'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer'. They discuss how Starmer might handle the conversations, and what the PM's team is doing to prepare for the trip.
Producers: Soila Apparicio, Laura Fitzpatrick Editor: Paul Stanworth
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