Keir Starmer plays it safe with Donald Trump meeting as US election on knife edge

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was right to meet the former President, Donald Trump, during his visit to New York this week. The PM recognises that the special relationship between Britain and the US must flourish

With the US presidential election on a knife edge, there remains a strong ­possibility that Donald Trump could return to the White House. It is not in Britain’s interests that he serves a second term of office but it is an outcome for which this country should be prepared.

On this basis, Prime Minister Keir Starmer was right to meet the former President during his visit to New York this week. The men may have little in common but the PM recognises the special relationship between Britain and the US must flourish regardless of who is in No 10 or the Oval Office.

By building a rapport with Mr Trump, Mr Starmer stands a better chance of convincing him to continue America’s support for Ukraine and maintain his backing for Nato.

The ex-President is so erratic this may prove a fool’s errand but it is preferable to the alternative option of refusing to engage with him. Of course, Downing Street will be privately hoping that Kamala Harris wins in November. That would be better for America, Britain and the rest of the world.

Climate crisis

Heavy rains this week have brought disruption to travellers, caused significant damage and left communities stranded. Across the Atlantic, south-eastern America is reeling from the deadly Storm Helene. Much of Central Europe is still recovering from flooding that cost 24 lives.

Scientists claim these weather events are likely to have been supercharged by the climate crisis and they will become more frequent unless action is taken to halt global warming. Britain is spending more on flood defences but the only real defence is to speed up ­measures to halt carbon emissions.

Classiest act

Whether acting in Downton Abbey, Harry Potter or the West End, Dame Maggie Smith always stole the show. The star of the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was forever in her prime.