The stakes were high for Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK this week. From questions over the appointment of Peter Mandelson and the US president’s links with Jeffrey Epstein, to criticism of the UK’s free speech laws – there was certainly no guarantee of success.
After a nightmare return to parliament for Keir Starmer, who saw the departure of both Mandelson and his deputy Angela Rayner in the space of two weeks, the prime minister needed a boost amid growing speculation that he may not remain in post until the next election.
There were a few sticky moments, such as when Trump told the prime minister to call the army in to tackle migration. He also admitted disagreements over the recognition of Palestine.
But the US president avoided any open berating of the UK, and glossed over questions on Mandelson and free speech – leaving the visit, overall, looking like a success story for the relationship between the Labour government and the Republican administration in the States.
Asked whether he has any sympathy for the ex-ambassador, who was sacked for historic links with Epstein, the US president palmed the question off on Starmer, saying: “I don’t know him. Actually, I had heard that, and I think maybe the prime minister would be better speaking of that.”
Addressing the prime minister, Trump added: “That was a choice that he made, and I don’t know. What is your answer to that?”
Starmer responded: “It’s very straightforward. Some information came to light last week which wasn’t available when he was appointed and I made a decision about it – and that’s very clear.”
And asked about free speech, he also deferred to the prime minister – who was able to offer an uncontested defence of Britain’s approach to the issue.
While the prime minister has a history of navigating relations with the US president fairly well, it doesn’t change the fact that Trump is an extremely volatile leader – meaning that Thursday’s joint press conference had every chance of being a disaster for the prime minister, and a disaster he certainly couldn’t afford.
Starmer can breathe a sigh of relief today over Thursday’s state visit. But it will be short-lived, as the prime minister must now turn his attention to problems at home.
With growing concern over a failure to tackle migration, devastating approval ratings and the loss of key allies in his top team, a growing number of Labour MPs have publicly warned the prime minister is on the brink of being ousted – looking to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as a possible replacement.
The next few weeks are crucial for the prime minister. All eyes are on the UK’s migrant return deal with France, which finally became operational this week, while Labour’s conference later this month will be another key litmus test for any dissent against Starmer’s leadership.
