Scottish Lib Dem Leader Calls for Stronger Stance Against Trump
Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has proposed that the United Kingdom should utilise the King's upcoming state visit to the United States as strategic leverage to influence President Donald Trump. Speaking during a campaign event in Edinburgh on Thursday, Cole-Hamilton described the US president as a "gangster" and emphasised the need for British political leaders to adopt a firmer approach.
Campaign Trail Remarks on Trump and Leadership
While having his hair cut at the event, Cole-Hamilton told the Press Association that Trump responds to strong leadership, citing former Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as an example of a liberal leader who successfully confronted the US president. He criticised current UK leaders, including Keir Starmer, for lacking this assertiveness. "I think we need to take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book, another Liberal leader – but this time a liberal Prime Minister in Canada, who managed to face down very successfully the threat of Donald Trump," he stated.
Cole-Hamilton argued that the UK possesses significant leverage, such as the potential withdrawal of the King's state visit, which could be used to pressure Trump. "I think that we could stand up to Donald Trump by withdrawing things that he wants, like, for example, the King's state visit to America," he explained. "That's the sort of leverage that we have right now, and I don't think it would be fair to put His Majesty in that position, and we should use that leverage to bring Donald Trump to his senses."
Election Context and Coalition Possibilities
His comments coincided with the SNP unveiling its election manifesto ahead of the vote scheduled for May 7. When questioned about the potential for a coalition of pro-UK parties to prevent the SNP from retaining power, Cole-Hamilton dismissed the idea of partnering with Reform or the Conservatives, labelling them as "part of the problem." He expressed optimism about the Liberal Democrats making gains in the election, highlighting their platform focused on fairness, support for small businesses through business rates reform, and measures to assist families, such as providing an extra £400 for unpaid carers and reducing fuel duty by 12p per litre.
Additionally, Cole-Hamilton rejected claims by Malcolm Offord that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had approached the Reform Scotland leader about a possible deal. "I don't really buy it, frankly," he said, noting that Offord's politics are alien to both him and Labour. He affirmed his shared disdain with Sarwar for Reform's political style, urging voters not to settle for such alternatives.
