US (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Donald Trump praised PM Keir Starmer for fixing the UK’s “sloppy” Brexit rollout, saying Britain’s EU exit is now heading in the right direction.
As reported by The Independent, US President Donald Trump criticised the UK’s Brexit implementation as “sloppy” ahead of his upcoming state visit in September.
What did Donald Trump say about Brexit and Keir Starmer?
During an interview, Mr Trump claimed Brexit is “getting straightened out” as he praised Labour and Keir Starmer for their efforts. He said,
“I really like the prime minister a lot, even though he’s a liberal.
Referring to Britain’s exit from Brexit, he replied,
“No, I think it has been on the sloppy side, but it is getting straightened out.”
He said Sir Keir
“did a good trade deal with us, which a lot of countries have not been able to do.”
His remarks on Brexit came just months ahead of his second state visit to the UK, where he will be hosted by King Charles in September.
Asked if he was disappointed about not addressing UK Parliament, Mr Trump said,
“I think let them go and have a good time.”
Referring to his goal to visit the UK, he stated,
“I just want to have a good time and respect King Charles, because he is a great gentleman.”
Mr Trump addressed his ongoing conflict with Vladimir Putin. He suggested strained relations as the war in Ukraine drags on.
The president said he remains engaged with Putin but expressed frustration over the lack of progress in brokering peace between Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump’s stance on Putin and the Russia deal
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Mr Trump said he was “very unhappy” with Russia’s conduct and President Putin. He pledged to impose “very severe tariffs” on Russia if progress is not made within 50 days.
He added,
“I’m disappointed in President Putin, because I thought we would have had a deal two months ago, but it doesn’t seem to get there. So based on that, we’re going to be doing secondary tariffs. If we don’t have a deal in 50 days, it’s very simple, and they’ll be at 100 percent, and that’s the way it is. That can be more simple. It’s just the way it is. I hope we don’t have to do it.”
Trump’s state visit to the UK
During Mr Trump’s UK visit in September, he and his wife, Melania Trump, will be received at Windsor Castle and are expected to appear alongside Keir Starmer during the trip.
Unlike Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit, Mr Trump won’t address MPs and peers during his trip, as Parliament will be in recess for party conferences.
Nigel Farage’s views on Trump addressing Parliament
Nigel Farage has called on Parliament to be recalled in September for President Trump to speak to MPs and peers.
He added,
“Without doubt – the USA is our most important ally.”
What did Suella Braverman say about Trump’s UK visit and Parliament address?
Suella Braverman, Tory MP said,
“Nigel Farage is right. The USA should be our closest and strongest ally. Shamefully our relationship has been broken by this terrible Government.”
She added,
“Of course President Trump should address Parliament. This snub is simply down to the Prime Minister’s weakness and not wanting to upset his inept Foreign Secretary and loony backbenchers.”
Ed Davey’s stance on Trump addressing Parliament
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has rejected recalling Parliament for President Trump’s address to MPs and peers.
He said,
“The Prime Minister should invite Mark Carney for an official visit to the UK just ahead of Trump’s visit, including the opportunity to address Parliament. This would send an important signal that Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Canada against Trump’s chaotic trade war.”
Mr Davey stated,
“With Trump threatening our Commonwealth partners like Canada with yet more tariffs while hitting the UK steel industry, now is the time stand firm with our allies.”
He added,
“Nigel Farage may want to abandon our Commonwealth allies and cosy up to his idol Trump, it just shows yet again he is a false patriot who cares more about promoting Trump at home than standing up for the UK abroad.”
Who wrote to the speaker opposing Trump’s address to MPs?
Labour MP Kate Osborne urged the Speaker in April to stop Trump from speaking in Parliament.
She wrote,
“I am asking you as the Speaker to agree it would be inappropriate and mirror the previous Speaker’s recommendation.”
Ms Osborne added,
“It is of course up to our Government to decide if they use the state visit to engage with Trump on a wide range of issues as above but that does not translate to giving him the honour of addressing the UK parliament, the decision of which I believe should reside with you.”