What a Donald Trump victory would mean for the UK and how it will impact you

The stakes have never been higher as the Americans went to the polls in the presidential election. The outcome will not only impact the domestic stability but the international one, too.

There is a huge difference between Donald Trump and Kamla Harris on issues ranging from defence, race relations, the Royal family, and the environment to health, crime, the economy, consumers, and the UK's special relationship. At rally after rally, Trump has been urging his supporters to deliver a victory over the Democrats that is "too big to rig."

The UK and US have long cherished a "special relationship," a nod to their deeply intertwined history and political ties. While the policy decisions of one country don't usually directly impact the other, America stands as a key international ally that UK politicians are keen to keep close.

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Trump has surged back into the political arena, making the possibility of a second term a reality, despite his criminal conviction in May and multiple indictments in ongoing legal cases.

Labour has shown a readiness to collaborate with whichever candidate emerges victorious in the forthcoming US election - even though Trump's campaign accused the party of illegal electoral meddling.

War in Ukraine

One potential area of dispute between the countries, if Mr Trump is victorious, involves the Western response to Russia's conflict in Ukraine.

Mr Trump's alleged rapport with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his ambivalence towards NATO have rattled politicians. His claim that he could instantly resolve the Ukrainian conflict triggers speculation that he might negotiate with Mr Putin if given a second term.

Any settlement involving Ukraine ceding territory would clash with the stance of the UK and its allies, possibly leading to diplomatic challenges for Britain. Given his staunch positions on issues like abortion, trade, climate change, and gun control, which starkly contrast Labour members' views, his policies are sources of concern for the party's future diplomatic relationships.

Future relationship at stake?

While the UK government typically refrains from meddling in US politics, aligning with Mr Trump on global issues while he enforces his right-wing agenda in the US could potentially upset some UK voters. This, coupled with Mr Trump’s close ties with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, could pose a problem for Labour.

Under a Harris administration, the party would likely find more common ground and opportunities for joint US-UK projects. While the difference may seem minor, it's significant and could have serious consequences.

The outcome of the US election will likely dictate whether the UK’s relationship with the US during Labour’s first government in 14 years is positive or merely tolerable.