The Trump campaign launched a legal complaint about Labour activists campaigning for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, despite this being standard practice engaged in by sister parties around the world.
While many in Labour circles saw the move as a classic Republican bid to score a domestic political point, Starmer told reporters the row would not jeopardize his efforts to court Trump, insisting the pair had “established a good relationship.” There will likely be numerous similar moments when Starmer has to hold his tongue in the coming months and years.
“Starmer will need to deploy his best diplomatic skills in order to protect the essential elements of the U.K.-U.S. alliance and prioritize issues that Britain can bring most influence to,” said Owen, the former Labour adviser. “To do so, he will need to work hard to avoid the noise and controversy that will accompany the next president’s every move.”
When the disagreements are real, Starmer should deal with them person to person and not beat around the bush, Coffey, from the Husdon Institute, said. “If you bring your side of the argument to the table, he engages with that.”
Gray, the ex-Trump aide, agreed. He said the president respects those who have “the courage of their convictions” and will listen when counterparts make evidence-based cases for positions diverging from the American approach.
And if all else fails, Starmer can always call Buckingham Palace to placate Trump. “All you have to do is get the royal family involved,” Coffey said. “He loves the trappings of the state.”
