As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 45th President of the United States, the reverberations are being felt across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration’s stances on key global issues, one prominent British politician is sounding the alarm and urging decisive action.
Lib Dem Leader Calls for ‘Trump-Proofing’ the UK
Ed Davey, the leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats party, is pushing for the UK to deepen its ties with European allies in order to mitigate potential risks posed by the Trump presidency. In a recent interview, Davey stressed the need for what he termed ‘Trump-proofing’ Britain, particularly in the realms of security and trade.
“Yes, we can work with him,” Davey acknowledged, referring to the incoming US President. “Of course we should, and it may well be that we can, but it would be irresponsible not to take the measures in a diplomatic way, defensive way, that would make our national security and our economy Trump-proof.”
– Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Concerns Over Ukraine Support and Trade Wars
Two key areas of concern for Davey are the ongoing war in Ukraine and the specter of potential trade disputes with the US. On Ukraine, the Lib Dem leader warned that Trump’s election should serve as a “wake-up call” for the British government. He called for an immediate European conference to discuss how the continent could fill the void if the US were to pull back its support for Ukraine under Trump’s leadership.
“We can’t simply abandon Ukraine to Putin just because Trump’s in power,” Davey asserted. “Now is the absolute the moment to [increase aid to Ukraine] so Europe can fill the gap. But we have got to do it quickly.”
Turning to trade, Davey urged the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act swiftly to mend the “broken trading relationship left in tatters by the Conservatives.” This could include considering EU demands such as a mutual youth mobility scheme in order to strengthen economic ties with the bloc.
“With the worry of tariffs and trade wars, this couldn’t be more urgent for our economy,” Davey warned. “We don’t want a trade war. We need to try and argue [Trump] out of that idea, argue against tariffs, and we need to try to persuade him to stand by Ukraine with us. But we also need to make our country Trump-proof.”
– Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats
A Pragmatic Approach to the Trump Administration
Despite his strong language, Davey was quick to clarify that he was not advocating for a complete break with the incoming US administration. Rather, he stressed the need for a pragmatic approach that puts British interests first.
“I get the need for pragmatism, and I want the government to put the national interest first in dealing with President Trump,” Davey explained. “That means being really strong in our diplomacy to argue for the positions that the country takes on security and trade.”
At the same time, the Liberal Democrat leader did not mince words when it came to his party’s fundamental disagreements with Trump’s worldview. “We don’t share his values on rule of law, democracy and human rights,” Davey stated bluntly. “We don’t share his values, but we recognize he is the president of the United States.”
Navigating a Changing World Order
As the UK and its allies grapple with the implications of a Trump presidency, Ed Davey’s call for closer European cooperation reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt to a rapidly shifting global landscape. While the exact contours of US foreign policy under Trump remain to be seen, it is clear that Britain and its partners in Europe will need to be proactive in defending their shared interests and values in the face of potential challenges ahead.
Whether it is supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, safeguarding the norms of international trade, or standing up for democratic principles, the UK and Europe will need to work together closely in the coming years to navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable world order. As Ed Davey’s comments make clear, ‘Trump-proofing’ Britain will require both pragmatism and principle, as well as a steadfast commitment to the alliances and partnerships that have long underpinned European security and prosperity.
