Sir Keir Starmer’s White House visit sparks a diplomatic row after he declines to challenge Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state of the USA.
Sir Keir Starmer’s recent visit to the White House has been overshadowed by a diplomatic dispute concerning his response to Donald Trump’s remarks about Canada. The controversy arose after Starmer declined to directly challenge Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
The initial meeting between Starmer and Trump in the Oval Office was marked by Trump’s apparent desire to dominate the conversation. Observers noted that Trump took control of the room, steering the discussion and using the opportunity to promote his own messages to the assembled reporters. This pattern has been observed in previous meetings between Trump and foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
During the half-hour session, Trump leaned towards Starmer and led the conversation, also deciding which reporters would be called upon. A subsequent news conference saw both leaders adopting a more diplomatic tone, praising each other at length.
Trump even joked about how he would have been president 20 years ago if he had Starmer’s “beautiful” accent.
The controversy ignited when Starmer was questioned about Trump’s previous calls to make Canada a US state. In response, Starmer said: “I think you’re trying to find a divide that doesn’t exist.” Trump quickly interjected with “that’s enough” and moved on, seemingly cutting off the line of questioning.
Canadian Reactions
Starmer’s response has drawn criticism from Canadian figures. A Conservative MP and a former ambassador have both voiced their disapproval of Starmer’s perceived failure to defend Canada’s interests.
Canadian Conservative MP Dan Albas said Starmer’s response was “Disappointing, considering the trips that Trudeau has taken to the UK.”
Retired Canadian ambassador Artur Wilczynski stated: “Starmer’s refusing to come to Canada’s defence in front of Trump is more than disappointing. Canadians died for the UK by the tens of thousands. He could have opened his bloody mouth to speak up for us.”
Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt criticized Starmer’s handling of the question, saying he “blew the answer and threw us under the bus.”
Wider Implications
The incident has somewhat tarnished what was otherwise considered a successful visit for Starmer. During the visit, Starmer reportedly secured Trump’s support for his Chagos Islands deal and initiated trade talks. He also believed he had persuaded Trump to consider a military backstop for a potential Ukraine peace agreement.
However, Starmer has faced criticism for being too eager to praise Trump and for not challenging some of his more controversial policies, including his stance on Canada, his previous interest in annexing Greenland, and his approach to peace talks regarding Ukraine.
Trump’s Previous Remarks on Canada
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st state, claiming that without significant subsidies from the US, Canada would cease to be a viable country.
Background on US-Canada Relations
The relationship between the United States and Canada is one of the world’s closest and most multifaceted. The two countries share the world’s longest international border, and have extensive economic, cultural, and historical ties. They are each other’s largest trading partners, and have a long history of cooperation on defense, security, and environmental issues. Both countries are strong allies and share membership in organizations such as NATO.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgee7rl24ro
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/canada-51st-state-trump-starmer-b2706751.html
https://www.ft.com/content/3edb2552-2f0b-41b3-b972-41127e917211