To govern is to choose between disadvantages, as the wily General de Gaulle diagnosed. Keir Starmer is less categoric. At the Lord Mayor’s white-tie dinner on Monday, the Prime Minister rejected the idea that the UK must choose between closer ties with the US or the European Union when Donald Trump re-emerges at the helm of the US in January.
The UK is in an awkward position as a post-Brexit European power. It is reliant on smooth relations with its continental neighbours, yet is still an Atlanticist power which has long prided itself on a closer affinity with the US and a more “Anglosphere” vibe in its leanings and culture.
In truth, “Trump-proofing” Britain as far as possible has been the not-so-secret business of the UK’s diplomats and securocrats since the ex-President returned to the electoral fray.
This covers a multitude of concerns – from how to maintain the operational closeness of the security and defence alliance to ensuring that Britain’s relatively sound record on Nato contributions exempts us from Trump’s frustration with allies who do not pay their way.
There is also a danger in being too afraid of Trump. To start with the good news, the end of the Biden presidency also ends a period of chill in trade relations between the UK and the US.
Where Trump operates on self-interest, Biden has operated ideologically. His focus on the impact........