Unless one of your new year’s resolutions was to live under a rock, you’ll no doubt have been watching with interest the first few months of Trump’s second attempt at governance. And what a few months it’s been. We’ve had ambitious, if incredibly distasteful, regeneration plans for the Gaza strip, journalists getting up close and personal with military expeditions in Yemen and we currently find ourselves in a global trade war. But, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be sitting there asking yourself where all of this leaves little old Britain.
It’s a solid question. Starmer has presented himself rather well, I’d say. He has acted respectfully and courteously to President Trump and appeared, in contrast to the US president, very statesman-like. Indeed, I was delighted by the work of the king in writing to invite Mr Trump back to blighty and the tactful way in which he seemed to flatter the President’s seemingly ever-growing ego. For Britain, strong relations with the US are all but essential to our entire foreign policy. They’re our closest partners with whom we share this fundamental ‘special relationship’ and are intrinsically linked economically, defensively and culturally.
However, recent rhetoric emanating from across the pond has led Britons to reassess where our future really lies. Wednesday saw the announcement of fresh tariffs affecting almost every nation on earth, with Britain being hit by a 10 per cent tariff save for 25 per cent on cars and steel. The BBC reported a ‘sense of relief’ between ministers, yet reaffirmed that they remained anxious of Trump’s latest escalation. Consumers on both sides of the Atlantic are set to be affected by the move with many economists predicting price rises, interest rate stagnation and general disruption of the economy. To mark the occasion, Starmer rolled out Jonathan Reynolds, his Trade Secretary, to offer some words of wisdom to his electorate. In his brief speech, he began by thanking his American counterparts “for their engagement over the last few months” and for keeping their promise “to make themselves available.” Later, he goes on to describe any imposition of tariffs as “deeply regrettable”, yet not something which should impact the government’s relationship with the US as he goes on to state his desire to “deepen our economic relationship.” Stockholm syndrome, anyone?
I believe that in the midst of the current global chaos, Britain has a few very important decisions to make. Ones which, ultimately, will decide swathes of the political, economic and diplomatic landscape for future generations.In a slightly twisted way, I’d choose to view Trump as an opportunity for Britain. An opportunity to rethink this “special relationship” and reforge closer alliances elsewhere, none more so than with our European partners.
We have three of the world’s ten largest economies less than a two hour flight away (with some leeway added for the inevitable boarding delay) and a real desire for partnership. True, we left the EU in typical British style (reluctantly, messily and regrettably), but it is becoming increasingly evident that the leaders of the European project and its most powerful members want closer collaboration with us, if not a complete u-turn on the events of 2016.
And why wouldn’t they? Brexit was calamitous not just for this small island, but for the EU as an organisation. With the UK leaving a budget deficit of €10-12 billion annually, this money simply had to be found somewhere with the usual suspects picking up the majority of the burden (think Germany, France, the Netherlands and so on). Along with a myriad of other sound reasons, these countries are subsequently quite keen on the prospect of ‘Breturn’.
In reconsidering our relations with the US, I think that the Canadians serve as a fantastic case study. Neighbours to the north, consistently strong relations between the two countries for decades, intertwined cultures and arguably economies. Yet, for Mr. Trump, they pose the opportunity to expand not just his sphere of influence, but the continental United States itself. Something which, unsurprisingly, the Canadians have resoundingly rejected. And who could blame them? Becoming another one of Washington’s cash cows is hardly an enticing offer. Indeed, the rhetoric surrounding their upcoming elections is almost entirely centered on creating a sense of distance and independence from the US.
Circling back to Britain, what makes us think that the US doesn’t view us in the same inferior way? Becoming the 51st, 52nd, or 53rd state is admittedly unlikely, but what remains true is this poisonous attitude of a global game of Monopoly. If you aren’t good for business, we’ll either absorb or abandon you with no opportunity to pass go.
Britain needs to stand up and decide: do we want to cosy up to the bullies or fight back against them?
