[Trump is too aggressive; UK opposition parties denounce prime minister for being spineless]
The recent flare-up in the Middle East has caused a significant weakening of the Anglo-American "special relationship" that has endured for half a century. At the outset of the conflict, the UK refused to support the US. When Trump urged allied nations to send troops to the Strait of Hormuz, Britain even privately declined. Trump expressed deep disappointment toward this long-standing ally, frequently attacking UK Prime Minister Starmer on social media, bluntly stating that Starmer could not be compared to Churchill from World War II.
In response to Trump’s criticism, Starmer dared not respond firmly—either remaining silent or engaging in diplomatic evasion. However, many UK parliamentarians could no longer stand by. According to previously agreed plans, King Charles was scheduled to visit the US later this month to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Seeing their prime minister so publicly berated, numerous MPs demanded that Starmer cancel the royal visit as a clear signal of British discontent with Trump. More critically, if Trump were to suddenly express his grievances about Britain directly in front of the King, how would Charles respond? The situation would be extremely awkward.
Ultimately, Starmer did not cancel the King’s visit. Cancelling it would likely cause an even sharper deterioration in UK-US relations. Charles proceeded with the visit as planned. While this unlikely to change Trump’s dissatisfaction, it at least avoided further inflaming the current tense situation.
Davies, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, strongly criticized this decision, accusing Starmer of “extreme lack of backbone.” He said: “Allowing the King to proceed with the visit while Trump belittles Britain is a disgrace and a clear sign of government weakness unable to stand up to a bully.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861263232771203/
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