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Trump diplomacy

Opinion

Peter Hartcher Political and international editor September 23, 2025 — 5.00am

The whole world saw Britain lay on the pomp and circumstance for Donald Trump last week. As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, it was a “unique” tribute. No other US leader has been honoured with not one, but two, state visits.

Deploying the King, the Princess of Wales, the Royal Horse Artillery, Windsor Castle and Chequers was hailed as a case study in the use of “soft power”. Charles was reduced to uttering the phrase “British soil makes for rather splendid golf courses”. The things one must do for one’s country.

What did Britain receive in return for its transparent obsequiousness? The big noise from the government was trumpeting US investment pledges

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