UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called on British PM Keir Starmer to confront Donald Trump directly, arguing that Britain must be strong in defending its values.
Lib Dem leader described Keir Starmer’s approach to Trump as “the bully doesn’t notice them” behaviour, calling on him to be braver in challenging the US president.
What did Ed Davey say about standing up to Trump and British values?
In a bold challenge to Sir Keir, the Liberal Democrat leader stated that while engaging with the American president is necessary, it is “patriotic” to stand up to him rather than appease him.
Mr Davey stated,
“I think so many people want to see our politicians standing up for British values and showing that we don’t think Donald Trump represents them or understands them.”
He added,
“It’s not just that people want to see someone speaking up for British values. I don’t think Trump respects weakness. Frankly he never has done, and if you’re going to do a deal with him you’ve got to show you’re strong.”
Referring to the government’s strategy, Mr Davey argued that while he understood their efforts to avoid direct confrontation, there was a significant risk that such a tactic would fail, adding, “They’re trying to stay unnoticed, but it won’t work.”
What did Ed Davey propose to “Trump-proof” the UK economy?
Mr. Davey advocated for a strategy to “Trump-proof” the British economy by seeking a formal customs union with the EU. He also proposed that Trump’s visit to the UK should only proceed if the US president agreed to conditions requiring concessions on Ukraine.
However, the EU trade chief also stated that the UK should consider joining the customs union.
What was Ed Davey’s stance on the UK government’s relationship with Trump?
The Lib Dem leader criticized the government’s approach, stressing that Britain is not anti-America, but it is essential to call out actions by the newly elected president that contradict British national interests and values.
Referring to a potential Nigel Farage-style strategy, he warned that if the UK takes a submissive stance, Trump would dominate the UK, urging that the right response is to stand up to him for the country’s sake.
He criticized the Reform UK leader’s strategy, accusing him, a staunch Trump supporter, of “acting as if he’s more interested in Trump’s success than he is Britain’s.”
What did Ed Davey say about Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch?
Mr Davey slammed Kemi Badenoch, arguing that the Tory leader had failed to separate herself from Trump on the issue of Ukraine.
He stated,
“If you think about how some of her predecessors were talking about Ukraine the whole time, suddenly she won’t talk about it,”
adding,
“She hasn’t raised it in the prime minister’s questions at all. It’s almost as if she’s scared of [Elon] Musk and Trump, or shares some of their values – who knows?
What did Ed Dave say about Trump’s steel tariffs?
Earlier this week, the newly elected president imposed 25% tariffs on the steel industry, including on Britain. Trump’s decision to introduce levies has sparked tensions over the steel industry.
Lib Dem leader has insisted Sir Keir address the concerns of the British steel sector “without delay.”
He added,
“At the very least, the government should be discussing a plan with international allies on how to limit the damage caused by Donald Trump’s trade war.”