Opinion
Pablo O'Hana
Published January 20, 2025
As Donald Trump returns to power and begins trampling on hard-fought progress, democratic norms and human rights, the only response consistent with the United Kingdom’s global responsibilities is to re-think the ‘special relationship’ in 2025.
And here’s my solution – we ditch it.
For too long, Britain has held tight to the notion that we should stand by the States, no matter who sits behind the famous White House desk.
We’ve seen this blind loyalty time and again: from Tony Blair’s unwavering support for George W. Bush, which led to the illegal invasion of Iraq, resulting in the death and displacement of millions of innocent lives, to the current rush of British politicians to placate Trump.
But Trump’s record speaks for itself: He has actively undermined democracy, praised authoritarian rulers, and done everything he can to sow distrust and division in his country.
Ukraine is our neighbour, and their very survival is now under even greater threat as Trump’s presidency is prepared to hand Vladimir Putin and other despots free rein.
The horror of that prospect is only heightened by British politicians like David Lammy, who once called him a ‘woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’ but now defends him as ‘very affable’ and ‘very warm’.
British politicians softening their tone underlines just how quickly even the fiercest critics fall back in line when the United States flexes its muscles.
It’s time for the UK to show moral courage and strategic clarity. We cannot continue to cling to a ‘special relationship’ with a leader who promised to behave like a dictator from Day One.
Diplomacy matters, but it does not mean compromising our core values, basic human rights, and international stability.
We have repeatedly condemned authoritarianism in other countries, and we cannot back down now just because the individual in question happens to lead the United States of America.
Pablo O'Hana
Published January 20, 2025
METRO UK
Trump poses serious risks on the global stage, alienating allies and undermining NATO, which has kept European security intact for decades
As Donald Trump returns to power and begins trampling on hard-fought progress, democratic norms and human rights, the only response consistent with the United Kingdom’s global responsibilities is to re-think the ‘special relationship’ in 2025.
And here’s my solution – we ditch it.
For too long, Britain has held tight to the notion that we should stand by the States, no matter who sits behind the famous White House desk.
We’ve seen this blind loyalty time and again: from Tony Blair’s unwavering support for George W. Bush, which led to the illegal invasion of Iraq, resulting in the death and displacement of millions of innocent lives, to the current rush of British politicians to placate Trump.
But Trump’s record speaks for itself: He has actively undermined democracy, praised authoritarian rulers, and done everything he can to sow distrust and division in his country.
We cannot negotiate with a leader who openly derides our most deeply held principles (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
He attempted to overturn a legitimate election result, trashed the fundamental principle of a free press – going as far as saying he wouldn’t mind someone ‘shoot[ing] through the fake news’ – inflamed tensions with minority communities, and condoned violence among his supporters.
His administration’s policies tore children from their parents at the border, mishandled the Covid-19 crisis at the cost of countless lives, rolled back protections for LGBTQ+ people, and began a nationwide hacking away of abortion rights.
If these devastating acts happened in a democratic country anywhere else, Britain would be the first to speak out. Yet here we are, with politicians from all parties preparing to ‘make nice’ with Trump.
This dangerous appeasement isn’t just a moral failure; it is strategically reckless. Time after time, history shows us that engaging with dictators only emboldens them.
He attempted to overturn a legitimate election result, trashed the fundamental principle of a free press – going as far as saying he wouldn’t mind someone ‘shoot[ing] through the fake news’ – inflamed tensions with minority communities, and condoned violence among his supporters.
His administration’s policies tore children from their parents at the border, mishandled the Covid-19 crisis at the cost of countless lives, rolled back protections for LGBTQ+ people, and began a nationwide hacking away of abortion rights.
If these devastating acts happened in a democratic country anywhere else, Britain would be the first to speak out. Yet here we are, with politicians from all parties preparing to ‘make nice’ with Trump.
This dangerous appeasement isn’t just a moral failure; it is strategically reckless. Time after time, history shows us that engaging with dictators only emboldens them.
Trump has actively undermined democracy, praised authoritarian rulers, and done everything he can to sow distrust and division in his country (Photo: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Adolf Hitler is a prime example of how legitimising dangerous leaders backfires, often with catastrophic results.
The UK rightly prides itself on democracy, human rights and the rule of law; it’s part of what makes our country so great. But this cannot be reconciled with our shrugging off of Trump’s disregard for these fundamental values.
We wouldn’t dream of working hand-in-glove with any other leader who boasts a willingness to abuse power, so why are we treating Trump differently?
'Trump climate catastrophe' protesters gather outside US Embassy in London
Trump also poses serious risks on the global stage, alienating allies and undermining NATO, which has kept European security intact for decades. His public spats with international partners open up troubling gaps for other opportunistic regimes – from Russia to China – to exploit.
Meanwhile, our heroic friends in Ukraine are fighting a thankless battle for their fundamental right to exist.
I am immensely proud of the United Kingdom’s response to this conflict so far – though we can and should go further – and grateful to the European Union, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris for their steadfast support.
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Adolf Hitler is a prime example of how legitimising dangerous leaders backfires, often with catastrophic results.
The UK rightly prides itself on democracy, human rights and the rule of law; it’s part of what makes our country so great. But this cannot be reconciled with our shrugging off of Trump’s disregard for these fundamental values.
We wouldn’t dream of working hand-in-glove with any other leader who boasts a willingness to abuse power, so why are we treating Trump differently?
'Trump climate catastrophe' protesters gather outside US Embassy in London
Trump also poses serious risks on the global stage, alienating allies and undermining NATO, which has kept European security intact for decades. His public spats with international partners open up troubling gaps for other opportunistic regimes – from Russia to China – to exploit.
Meanwhile, our heroic friends in Ukraine are fighting a thankless battle for their fundamental right to exist.
I am immensely proud of the United Kingdom’s response to this conflict so far – though we can and should go further – and grateful to the European Union, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris for their steadfast support.
Ukraine is our neighbour, and their very survival is now under even greater threat as Trump’s presidency is prepared to hand Vladimir Putin and other despots free rein.
The horror of that prospect is only heightened by British politicians like David Lammy, who once called him a ‘woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’ but now defends him as ‘very affable’ and ‘very warm’.
British politicians softening their tone underlines just how quickly even the fiercest critics fall back in line when the United States flexes its muscles.
Trump trashed the fundamental principle of a free press – going as far as saying he wouldn’t mind someone ‘shoot[ing] through the fake news’
It’s time for the UK to show moral courage and strategic clarity. We cannot continue to cling to a ‘special relationship’ with a leader who promised to behave like a dictator from Day One.
Diplomacy matters, but it does not mean compromising our core values, basic human rights, and international stability.
We have repeatedly condemned authoritarianism in other countries, and we cannot back down now just because the individual in question happens to lead the United States of America.
David Lammy once called Trump a ‘woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’ but now defends him as ‘very affable’
(Photo: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The United Kingdom is a world leader and has a moral and strategic imperative to say ‘enough is enough’. We cannot negotiate with a leader who openly derides our most deeply held principles, and we should refuse any pretence that we can work with him as we would a legitimate democratic leader.
If we truly value our great country’s founding principles, then there has never been a greater moment to prove it.
Anything else, above all, betrays our own country.
The United Kingdom is a world leader and has a moral and strategic imperative to say ‘enough is enough’. We cannot negotiate with a leader who openly derides our most deeply held principles, and we should refuse any pretence that we can work with him as we would a legitimate democratic leader.
If we truly value our great country’s founding principles, then there has never been a greater moment to prove it.
Anything else, above all, betrays our own country.
Minister distances Government from London Mayor Sadiq Khan ‘resurgent fascism’ warning
A Cabinet minister has distanced the Government from Sir Sadiq Khan’s warnings about “resurgent fascism” ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Mayor of London described the current climate as a “perilous moment” in The Observer, stating that “these are deeply worrying times, especially if you’re a member of a minority community.”
The remarks come ahead of Mr Trump’s inauguration on Monday, where he will be sworn in for a second term as US president.
Asked whether Sir Sadiq was wrong, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told the BBC: “Yes, and I don’t agree with that.
“President-elect Trump won a enormous election victory in the United States as a democracy. We support democracy and the American people elected Donald Trump and the Republican Party.”
Pushed further on the issue, Mr Jones suggested Sir Sadiq “is allowed” to make that case, “but I don’t agree with it”.
“I speak on behalf of the Government and we don’t agree with it,” he added.
“President-elect Trump has an important mandate in the United States and we look forward to working with him in the interests of both of our economies.”
Writing for The Observer on Sunday, Sir Sadiq pointed to the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France and Mr Trump in the US, calling for a “renewed and concerted effort to confront these forces and expose them for what they are: opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain”.
He also wrote in the piece: “We should be in no doubt, this is a perilous moment. The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the west. ”
A Cabinet minister has distanced the Government from Sir Sadiq Khan’s warnings about “resurgent fascism” ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Mayor of London described the current climate as a “perilous moment” in The Observer, stating that “these are deeply worrying times, especially if you’re a member of a minority community.”
The remarks come ahead of Mr Trump’s inauguration on Monday, where he will be sworn in for a second term as US president.
Asked whether Sir Sadiq was wrong, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told the BBC: “Yes, and I don’t agree with that.
“President-elect Trump won a enormous election victory in the United States as a democracy. We support democracy and the American people elected Donald Trump and the Republican Party.”
Pushed further on the issue, Mr Jones suggested Sir Sadiq “is allowed” to make that case, “but I don’t agree with it”.
“I speak on behalf of the Government and we don’t agree with it,” he added.
“President-elect Trump has an important mandate in the United States and we look forward to working with him in the interests of both of our economies.”
Writing for The Observer on Sunday, Sir Sadiq pointed to the AfD in Germany, National Rally in France and Mr Trump in the US, calling for a “renewed and concerted effort to confront these forces and expose them for what they are: opportunists who seek to divide people for personal and political gain”.
He also wrote in the piece: “We should be in no doubt, this is a perilous moment. The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the west. ”
No comments:
Post a Comment