Quote Originally Posted by ramAnag View Post
Unfortunately it’s a case of pragmatism over idealism, Sith. We are a small European country made more important via our ‘special relationship’ with the U.S. and, like it or not, the POTUS is someone we currently cannot afford to alienate.
Just as Blair had to ‘befriend’ Bush we are not in a position to go it alone.

My opinion of Trump is probably the same as yours…that he is a disreputable, dishonest, deluded and immoral narcissist who isn’t fit to hold office, but the fact is that he, somehow, is the democratically elected leader of the most powerful nation on earth and the most significant of our allies.

I’m sure his state visit will see a great many demonstrations and the reincarnation of the ‘baby Trump’ blimp, but I honestly believe that political expediency demands that our political leaders do invite and flatter him while secretly hoping that his alleged wrong doings are exposed back in the USA and that he pays the price sooner rather than later.
Absolutely agree RA, pragmatism is required and on this issue I'd say Starmer has done well, though of course time will tell, but there is nothing to be gained by being belligerent and insulting.

Unfortunately in life, one has to deal with all sorts, whether thats International relations, business or politics. Unless one can afford to upset or denigrate those one deals with, its a case of tight lips and forced smiles, whilst attempting to avoid being compromised, bullied or ****ed over. Starmer has to put the interests of the country first.

I would draw the line on serious abuses of human rights, but even then its not a simple matter, the phrase the enemies of your enemies are "friends" is often true by force of circumstance.