David Lammy, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, remarked that Trump is not a warmonger, noting that many globally are glad about his return to power. The Foreign Secretary lauded Trump as “gracious and generous” and emphasized Britain’s need to accept the realities of Trump’s presidency.

Lammy, previously a harsh critic of Trump, now acknowledges the global support for Trump, citing a survey showing “70 per cent of the world welcomed Trump coming to power.”

He stressed that this support is driven by the perception that Trump will keep authoritarian leaders on edge. “You meet the world as it is – not as you would like it to be,” Lammy stated, underscoring the importance of adapting to global dynamics under Trump’s leadership.

Lammy recalled his interaction with Trump last September, describing him as “very funny, very friendly, very warm about the UK, our Royal Family, Scotland.” He clarified that despite Trump’s tough stance, he is not seeking war but wants to maintain strength and power to address global threats.

This marks a stark contrast to Lammy’s earlier descriptions of Trump as a “tyrant in a toupee” and “a woman-hating neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath.” Now, Lammy urges a strategy of “progressive realism” in dealing with the Trump administration.

He acknowledged the 77 million Americans who voted for Trump, including diverse groups like African Americans, Latinos, and young people, and highlighted the necessity of accepting this reality in international relations.

Lammy also mentioned the UK’s plans regarding the Chagos Islands, emphasizing the importance of consulting Trump on the matter. He remains optimistic about the deal proceeding as it aligns with the global community’s safety.

He praised Trump as a “revisionist actor” who seeks to change the geopolitical landscape and mentioned the potential revival of the Israel-Saudi Arabia accord, contingent on progress towards a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine.

Keir Starmer’s Upcoming Visit to Washington

Lammy confirmed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Washington within weeks for talks with Trump, highlighting the importance of the UK-US relationship.

“In the end, we have war in Europe, a ceasefire in the Middle East, but it’s incredibly fragile, and there are important malign actors like Iran that we’ve got to discuss with the United States and, of course, our growing trade relations with the United States.”
David Lammy

Lammy expressed confidence in Starmer’s ability to engage in serious discussions with Trump, emphasizing the need to address various pressing global issues, including trade and security.

He reiterated the need for “progressive realism” and added that the UK must be prepared to work with Trump’s administration to navigate the complex international landscape. He underscored that dealing with Trump’s leadership requires pragmatism and a focus on maintaining strong alliances and partnerships.

The Foreign Secretary’s remarks signal a significant shift in the UK’s diplomatic approach, reflecting a readiness to embrace a more pragmatic and cooperative stance with the US under Trump’s leadership. This approach, Lammy argued, is crucial for ensuring the UK’s security and economic prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.

Lammy’s comments have sparked varied reactions, with some praising his pragmatic outlook, while others criticize what they perceive as an overly conciliatory tone towards Trump. Nevertheless, Lammy remains steadfast in his belief that a balanced and realistic foreign policy is essential for navigating the challenges posed by Trump’s presidency.

The upcoming visit by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Washington will be closely watched, as it will set the tone for the UK’s relationship with the US in the coming years. The discussions are expected to cover a broad range of issues, including trade, security, and cooperation on global challenges such as climate change and international stability.