In a strategic move to future-proof the 'Special Relationship', Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer is laying the groundwork for a significant diplomatic overture: a full state visit invitation for former US President Donald Trump, should he win the November election.
The initiative, aimed at reinforcing the UK's most crucial bilateral alliance, is designed to transcend the outcome of the upcoming British general election. Sir Keir's team is proactively crafting a bold new framework for cooperation, signalling that the UK's national interest will always come before party politics.
The Tech and Prosperity Partnership: A New Chapter
At the heart of this diplomatic strategy is the proposal of a pioneering 'UK-US Tech and Prosperity Partnership'. This ambitious deal seeks to create a powerful alliance that would:
- Dramatically enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations.
- Foster unprecedented collaboration in critical technologies like artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
- Establish a stable, long-term economic framework that survives political changes on both sides of the Atlantic.
This forward-thinking plan is seen as essential for securing Britain's position in a rapidly evolving global landscape, ensuring it remains a key partner to the world's largest economy.
Learning from Past Diplomatic Missteps
The move is widely interpreted as a lesson learned from the tumultuous period following the 2016 Brexit referendum. The then-Trump administration's eagerness to swiftly negotiate a trade deal contrasted sharply with the political paralysis in Westminster, ultimately leading to a lost opportunity.
By preparing this comprehensive package immediately, a potential incoming Labour government hopes to demonstrate that the UK is a serious, prepared, and reliable partner, ready to engage from day one.
Bipartisan Support for the Special Relationship
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been a vocal proponent of this pragmatic approach. He has consistently emphasised that the UK-US relationship is bigger than any single individual and must be nurtured regardless of who occupies the White House or 10 Downing Street.
This preparation ensures that Britain will not be caught flat-footed by the US election results. Instead, it will be poised to immediately engage with either a second Trump administration or a second Biden term, with a clear and compelling value proposition that serves Britain's economic and security interests.
