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Original poster

The Brits are SO smart.

492 replies

MsAmerica · 28/02/2025 00:37

Playing Trump like a fiddle, knowing his weakness for flattery and star power. Starmer begins by presenting a letter of invitation from Charles III.

Donald Trump given letter from King Charles on Ukraine war with special 'unprecedented' invite
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/donald-trump-given-letter-from-king-charles-on-ukraine-war-with-special-unprecedented-invite/ar-AA1zVHbC

UK Prime Minister Starmer Presents Trump With An Invitation From King Charles For A State Visit: "This Is Really Special"
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/02/27/uk_prime_minister_starmer_presents_trump_with_an_invitation_from_king_charles_for_a_state_visit_this_is_really_special.html

OP posts:
BettyBardMacDonald · 28/02/2025 09:50

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 28/02/2025 01:35

I'd love to have been a fly on the wall when this was discussed between Starmer and Charles. I can just imagine the King saying "but do we really have to?", and the PM saying, "yes, your majesty, I'm afraid you do".

And then perhaps Camilla turning the air blue when she was informed! 😂

And who could blame her?

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

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 28/02/2025 09:52

PandoraSox · 28/02/2025 09:49

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?

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

NewMarmiteJar · 28/02/2025 09:53

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

Janiie · 28/02/2025 09:53

PandoraSox · 28/02/2025 09:49

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?

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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.

EasternStandard · 28/02/2025 09:55

Butterfly123456 · 28/02/2025 09:44

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 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.

CoffeeCantata · 28/02/2025 09:55

HeddaGarbled · 28/02/2025 01:22

The soft power of the Royal family really does exist.

Sticks in the craw, though, doesn’t it?

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.

Biscuitsnotcookies · 28/02/2025 09:59

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.

AnxiousRose · 28/02/2025 10:00

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.

Wintersgirl · 28/02/2025 10:01

AutumnCrow2 · 28/02/2025 02:20

Yes; I thought Macron was actually quite impressive the other day.

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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...

AnxiousRose · 28/02/2025 10:02

Wintersgirl · 28/02/2025 10:01

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...

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Yes Macron did well with Trump.

UnderHisEeyore · 28/02/2025 10:02

user1471466513 · 28/02/2025 08:24

So, we have ended up paying for Ukraine's security and sending our soldiers to peacekeeping, while America walks away with Ukraine's rare minerals, and you think we've played him?

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.

tallhotpinkflamingo · 28/02/2025 10:02

Janiie · 28/02/2025 09:35

Yes very amusing, the cringe factor was huge.

How embarrassing to watch our supposer leader bow and scrape with his silly letter.

KS looked like a rabbit in the headlights as always. Loved his wail 'but but we do have free speech in the UK we do!' When Vance had pointed out no, we don't.

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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.

Surf2Live · 28/02/2025 10:03

BIossomtoes · 28/02/2025 09:48

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.

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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.

tallhotpinkflamingo · 28/02/2025 10:04

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.

godmum56 · 28/02/2025 10:05

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 28/02/2025 01:35

I'd love to have been a fly on the wall when this was discussed between Starmer and Charles. I can just imagine the King saying "but do we really have to?", and the PM saying, "yes, your majesty, I'm afraid you do".

And then perhaps Camilla turning the air blue when she was informed! 😂

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

sparrowflewdown · 28/02/2025 10:07

Butterfly123456 · 28/02/2025 09:44

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 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.

CrushingOnRubies · 28/02/2025 10:08

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.

BettyBardMacDonald · 28/02/2025 10:08

Biscuitsnotcookies · 28/02/2025 09:59

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.

Businessman???

His list of failures, bankruptcies and defaults is a mile long. His reputation is one of a grifter who, by his son's' admission, had to turn to shady Russian lenders years ago because American and European banks had no confidence in him. He played a fake businessman on a stupid reality television programme that apparently duped millions of people.

Jesus. Wake up.

abracadabra1980 · 28/02/2025 10:09

spuddy4 · 28/02/2025 04:17

Interesting how people perceive things differently. I saw it as an embarrassing, desperate move because Starmer knows Trump doesn't think much of the UK and the special relationship the two countries once had is long gone. I don't think for one moment Trump will forget the comments that various Labour MPs have made about him. It's just mind games and they are all playing each other.

I agree with you 100%
Trump is one hell of a bitter man and does not forgive or forget. He's just playing the game. He loves pomp and ceremony and a little ego boost. None of that detracts from the fact that Starmer handing him that envelope, was reminiscent of a proud daddy handing out a 4yr olds party invite. And the body touching - absolutely cringeworthy.

TheCatsTongue · 28/02/2025 10:11

EasternStandard · 28/02/2025 09:26

I'm more amazed at how deftly the US has shifted the conversation on Ukraine

The mineral deal is now normalised and resources will be carved up.

It's kind of genius to get leaders walking away feeling self important. The art of the deal I guess.

And let's not forget that the minerals plan was Zelensky's idea from last year.

I feel that the media have deliberately played this as America wanting the minerals and forcing Ukraine into it, but Ukraine proposed this idea last year and there have been negotiations on the terms.

Tomatotater · 28/02/2025 10:11

Mielikki · 28/02/2025 08:07

Not at all. Macron and Starmer had a long call last weekend and planned to work together. Macron is bad cop (pushing Trump over guarantees, correcting h when he lies), Starmer is good cop (offering state visits etc).

it might just work, or Trump might just wake up today having forgotten all about it and do something else.

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Hell probably sleep with his invite from The King under his bed. He won't forget that!

Jeeekers · 28/02/2025 10:12

Funny … I thought it was advantage Trump.

Starmer already been bullied into defense spending. Drawn in on Ukraine
Now Trump gives him a good boy treat that was always happening anyway.

Starmer thinks he’s won, as does OP.

TheCatsTongue · 28/02/2025 10:12

UnderHisEeyore · 28/02/2025 10:02

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.

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Did Russia also pay to get Labour elected at the last election? Russia seem to always be interfering.

Tomatotater · 28/02/2025 10:13

abracadabra1980 · 28/02/2025 10:09

I agree with you 100%
Trump is one hell of a bitter man and does not forgive or forget. He's just playing the game. He loves pomp and ceremony and a little ego boost. None of that detracts from the fact that Starmer handing him that envelope, was reminiscent of a proud daddy handing out a 4yr olds party invite. And the body touching - absolutely cringeworthy.

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Well JD Vance called him Americas Hitler not long ago and now he's VP. He's a vain man with a short memory, prone to flattery.

maudelovesharold · 28/02/2025 10:14

godmum56 · 28/02/2025 10:05

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

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And afterwards…..

”I can’t bear that man. I mean he is so awful, he really is.”

Let’s hope he switches the mic off, this time! (ref: Nicholas Witchell)

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