Is the PM's Flattery of Trump Cringeworthy? Clegg Thinks So!

Former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Nick Clegg has remarked that the relationship between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump is becoming "a bit embarrassing." He called for the Prime Minister to uphold British values amidst what he described as "endless knee-bending" towards the US leader. Recent efforts from Downing Street to foster a constructive partnership with Trump have been met with mixed reactions, especially following the President's state visit to the UK, which included ceremonial events and discussions around trade deals.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Sir Nick Clegg criticises the UK government's approach to its relationship with Donald Trump.
• He emphasises the importance of standing up for British values and NATO commitments.
• The Prime Minister's focus on US trade deals raises concerns about dependency on American technology.
• Clegg expresses support for Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey's stance against Elon Musk's comments.
• Reflecting on his political career, Clegg denies any intention of returning to frontline politics.

The Strained Relationship Between Starmer and Trump

During a recent speech at the Liberal Democrat conference, Sir Nick Clegg voiced concerns regarding the relationship between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, suggesting that it has become "slightly cringey." Clegg's comments highlight a growing unease among political observers about the extent to which the UK is willing to align itself with Trump's often unpredictable administration.

Context of the Relationship

In an effort to maintain strong bilateral ties, Downing Street has actively sought to cultivate a constructive relationship with Trump. The UK government pointed to a recent trade deal as a significant achievement of this diplomatic stance. However, Clegg suggests that such efforts may come at a cost to British values and international commitments.

The State Visit: A Display of Pageantry

Trump's recent three-day visit to the UK was marked by elaborate ceremonies, including marching bands and a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle. While such events aim to showcase the UK’s hospitality and strengthen diplomatic ties, Clegg argues that they should not overshadow the need to address key issues such as NATO's importance and the US's lukewarm attitude towards it. He believes that it is crucial for the UK to voice its concerns rather than compromise its principles for the sake of appearances.

NATO and the UK's Position

Clegg’s criticism highlights the ongoing debate about the UK's role within NATO and its relationship with the US. The former Deputy Prime Minister asserts that the UK must not shy away from calling out actions that could undermine the transatlantic alliance. He stated, "Some of the actions of the Trump administration should have been called out," emphasising the need for a more assertive stance on military commitments.

Miscalculations in Foreign Policy

According to Clegg, the UK government's approach may be rooted in a "miscalculation" regarding its place in the world. He argues that the idea that the UK can maintain a strong relationship with both the US and the EU is "rubbish on stilts." This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the UK's foreign policy direction post-Brexit, where the government must navigate complex relationships with both the US and European allies.

Investment vs. Dependency

While Clegg acknowledged the positive aspects of the investment announced during Trump's visit, he cautioned against the UK becoming overly reliant on American technology and capital. He warned that the relationship between the two nations is undergoing significant changes, stating it is "irrevocably" shifting. This change may pose risks to the UK's economic autonomy and ability to innovate independently.

Political Landscape and Future Prospects

Sir Keir Starmer has lauded the recent investment as a means of "boosting jobs and driving growth across the country." However, the balancing act between economic benefits and national sovereignty remains a pivotal issue. Observers are left wondering how the government will navigate this terrain while maintaining its commitment to British values and interests.

Clegg's Return to Politics

Reflecting on his own political history, Clegg, who previously led the Liberal Democrats and was part of a coalition government, expressed his mixed feelings about returning to frontline politics. After spending seven years in the US as Meta's president of global affairs, he shared that he might have "drunk the Kool-Aid a bit" during his time in Silicon Valley. His departure from the tech giant coincided with the return of Trump to the White House, a move that Clegg had actively opposed while at Meta.

On Elon Musk's Controversial Remarks

Clegg also addressed recent comments made by tech billionaire Elon Musk during a protest rally. Musk's statement that protesters would need to "fight back or you die" was described by Clegg as an "outrageous intrusion into our sovereignty." This reflects a broader concern about the influence of tech leaders on political discourse and public sentiment, further complicating the relationship between politics and technology.

Concluding Thoughts

As the UK navigates its complex relationship with the US under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the insights from Sir Nick Clegg serve as a timely reminder of the need to uphold national values and commitments. The balance between economic partnership and political integrity remains a delicate one, and the coming months will reveal how the government chooses to address these challenges.

FAQs

What did Sir Nick Clegg say about Starmer's relationship with Trump?

Sir Nick Clegg described the relationship as "a bit embarrassing" and called for Prime Minister Starmer to uphold British values while engaging with Trump.

Why is Clegg concerned about NATO?

Clegg believes the UK's approach to its relationship with the US should not undermine NATO commitments and that the government should publicly address concerns about Trump's administration.

What are the risks of UK dependency on US technology?

Clegg warned that the UK's growing dependency on US technology could threaten its economic autonomy and innovation capabilities in the long term.

How did Clegg feel about returning to politics?

Clegg expressed he has no intention of returning to frontline politics, reflecting on his past leadership experiences and recent time spent in the US.

What was Clegg's reaction to Musk's comments?

Clegg condemned Musk's remarks at a protest rally as an "outrageous intrusion into our sovereignty," highlighting concerns over the influence of tech leaders in political matters.