The Brits are SO smart.

It was a fantastic idea. Does it look like they're giving the invite to a Blue Peter competition winner? Absolutely. But Trump loves that sort of thing.

I think a FTA would be great for us, even if we spend it on pointless defence. I can see Putin firing a few aftershots to make Europe feel important.

I agree, we have nothing to offer apart from a base for US military, shared history and the monarchy, this is still something and Trump will keep us as an affable cousin, if we stay sweet.

King Charles "well if its absolutely necessary......but he will NOT be getting the good biscuits or the best cups and saucers"

I think it should all be settled by a golf tournament. Whoever wins keeps everything.

Trump is very much the Queen of Hearts, so may as well play croquet.

I don't think he forgot. I think he just lies.

He's even on record saying that if you tell the same lie over and over, eventually people will believe it.

Free speech doesn't actually exist anywhere, you can see that from the amount of sueing and blocking Musk is doing with anyone who he doesn't agree with.

This. Where will Russia attack next that US can divide up and get paid for? Now we see why Russia paid for Trump and Brexit. We are the ones being played.

Yes Macron did well with Trump.

I too was relieved when I saw Macron in the White House, someone there to bring sense and normality to the madness that is Trump...

Starmer did fine, he did what he had to do.
Handing the letter to Donald Trump reminded me of an uncle handing a gift to his young nephew.

Good that Starmer is working with Macron on this.

Donald Trump is not to be trusted though.

Trump has totally nailed this not the Brits! I am so embarrassed by this thread. Trump knows exactly what he is doing, and whilst he crushed Macron, he is a businessman and knows there is much more to gain by allowing the special relationship to continue… for now at least.

The congratulations lie with the Trump business strategists and not the innate intelligence of the British, Starmer did well to hold his nerve, I am not a fan of his at all, but he really kept it together under intense pressure. Credit where credit is due.

100%

This is just one example I've seen over the years - it is a thing, and it is powerful - especially with some of the world's ...shall we say..less statesmanlike leaders.

I don't think he could have done much else Trump will have the cards no matter, so he played his part.

But the media excitement at it all and feeling we've won, that is a bit excruciating.

We might get some sort of FTA if Trump sees the advantage. It might be good for us but there's no doubt the deal winner is Trump for both deals.

He couldn't have handled if differently, he's incapable. It's his body language his facial expressions everything. He looks like the desperate underdog desperately trying to impress.

I'm not a fan of the deputy pm but she'd have looked far more at ease. KS just does not have it.

Starmer has performed the ultimate diplomatic serve. Imagine Liz lettuce dealing with Trump. Or Rishi for that matter!

I think this is a good question for those who are criticising Starmer. What should he have done instead?

And who could blame her?

That sickening convicted criminal bloated lout should not be permitted on British soil.

I don't think anyone expected any deals to be made at that meeting. Yes it was a bit cringey, but I am not sure how else Starmer could have handled it? What do you think he should have done differently?

He’s managed to forget he called Zelenskyy a dictator so it’s not too much of a stretch. I’m delighted to see some statesmanship and pragmatism. It’s got to be kid gloves all the way to navigate the next four years.

I agree with @rummly and @MrsBennetsPoorNerves. Starmer did well, but what happens further down the line is key. It could all possibly come back to haunt him.

It’s painful like watching Wolf Hall. All the necessary flattering and managing of Trump, He is a disgusting would-be Henry the 8th figure who is totally unfit for democratic public office. He is aiming for king like absolute power and is led by whims and feud.
Yet Trump is who large sections of America wanted, and so we have to deal with him. As a lesson in practical diplomacy it was really well done. I would be absolutely fascinated if the royal houses of Europe got together and somehow saved the day in this situation together. If Trump could be invited to endless royal jaunts he could be kept away from causing as much trouble for four years?

Come on people, it was absolutely embarrassing, almost cringey. I don't know what all the reporters were on about. S. touching T.'s shoulder on few occassions... I know he was intensely tutored for that meeting, but... yuck! And he didn't really get anything... he went there for Ukraine, he got nothing... vague promises of a quick trade deal, as if to say... leave Ukraine, we will make a good trade deal.

I don’t think Trump is being ‘played like a fiddle’, but I think Starmer has played on his weak spot as Trump seems to have genuine affection and respect for the Royals and his Scottish ancestry. I can see the letter invites him to Balmoral, which is a stroke of genius really. He’ll enjoy a big pomp as splendour state visit, complete with bagpipes and some kind of history/roots tour. I don’t think he cares for Starmer but the letter was his shield and Trump wasn’t going to batter it.

I think this needs to be a lesson to Labour never, ever to interfere in a US election ever again. It was a disastrously stupid move that is now taking some serious diplomacy to row back from and has put us on the back foot.

Trump's UK based businesses are in Scotland. He is brokering deals for his golf courses from the White House (reps from PGA and Saudi wealth fund visited recently). A visit to Balmoral fits.

This is how Putin got Trump's attention in the first place, he would have played to his shallow need for admiration. Starmer is paying Trump like a fiddle and it's embarrassing that Trump doesn't realise it. Diplomacy and soft skills at it's best, that is until someone else throws something shiny in front of Donald's face and he's distracted again. It's like a todder is in charge of the USA........
Plus, if the initial invite is to Balmoral, it is much easier to manage crowds/protesters.