Given the three years they had to plan after he defenestrated Tragic Grandpa et al, it’s amazing how fast Startmer’s government squandered the huge reservoir of goodwill they had from voters who wanted the Tories gone
* albeit far less convincingly than it looked in terms of seats
So Henry VII acceded to the throne upon the death of his father Henry VIII???
I’ve got some mince in the fridge which isn’t happy at being compared to this clown.
Like it or not, Trump is the man the UK must now deal with. Yes, of course he’s a prick, but he’s a prick who’s now back in charge of the biggest and most powerful economy on the planet for the next four years.
If Mandleson and Lammy had simply reiterated their original remarks about him, I think we all know what Trump’s response would be. The US is far too large and important a market for British businesses to now risk fucking things up for ourselves with them for years, just for the pleasure of being able to say “See, I TOLD you he was a total arsehole.”
I think he’s a great option. He’s incredibly experienced, impeccably connected and probably a bit exotic which will go down well. There are probably plenty of reasons to dislike him but I like him.
Just this week Trump and Starmer have had what seems to be the start of a Bromance.
We both know they can’t stand each other but it is ‘the games people play’. We are strategically important to the US both militarily and in terms of intelligence.
We are also an important trading partner with an equal balance of trade both ways. If the UK lost that we would totally be in the shit.
At present there is a pragmatism on either side that it is important to maintain. Should that be lost then we in the UK would suffer terribly so I for one don’t mind the double speak.
Is the current arselicking of any greater significance than the previous slagging-off?
An illustration of the real importance of sincerity in politics.
I knew the rimjobs on Trump would emerge once he was in power. Whisper it not, but politicos are often all mouth and no trousers, and utterly complicit in the corrupt game they pretend to be above.
Not spineless, but as consistent in oily f*ckery as he’s ever been.
It’s been said that should one look up the word ‘odious’ in certain dictionaries, you’ll find that famous pic of POD ( Prince Of Darkness as the Civil Service dubbed him) trying on togs at a boutique with his great pal Jeffrey Epstein.
Depressingly predictable. One could argue, well what did we expect any of them, Starmer, Mandelson, Lammy etc, to say? “As President Trump takes office, our view remains that he is a half-deranged, thoroughly nasty piece of work voted in by a combination of desperation, bigoted morons and a pathetic Democratic performance – and we will stand up to him”
There was a need for more diplomatic language than they’ve used in the past – just the reality of having to deal with Trump and his cronies – but I think Mandelson and Lammy have both gone over the top.
I wonder if there have been quiet words from Trump’s people that they will only talk seriously with our government if there are some fawning comments in advance – that would pander to his narcissism – but it still makes the stomach turn to listen to the bilge. I can only take a shred of comfort in feeling sure that they don’t mean a word of it.
Agree. I recognise UK has to deal with this idiotic administration, but Mandy’s statement was revolting and I didn’t believe a word of it. Better to say nothing at all
It brings to my mind the Private Eye front page this week, which is a full apology to Donald Trump – including “we also acknowledge that he is athletic and young-looking”.
On the OP, I don’t think those in diplomatic leadership positions are famous for forthright and combative language directed at the leader of their Embassy’s host country. I also can’t think of a single significant thing a UK Ambassador to the USA has said or done in my lifetime. The last one I remember by name was Peter Jay.
Peter Jay – from near the top of one of those Leaders of the Future features TIME Magazine used to run in the 60s to bagman-cum stooge Robert Maxwell used to love humiliating in the 80s
On a related topic (PJ was his predecessor at Weekend World) has anybody watched Bwian and Maggie on C4?
All the weviews I’ve wead thus far have waved how good it is
One of the political podcasts (Stewart/Campbell or Sopel/Maitlis/Goodall) was suggesting that Europe could threaten to block export of Ozempic to the US as a tactic, as it was clear (to them) that Trump had recently lost a significant amount of weight.
I thought a recent interview the Newsagents did with Peter Kyle MP was rather good. He didn’t shy away from admitting the situation with Trump and the rest of the world was turbulent, but claimed, with good reason, that he should stick to his (IT) brief and not make speculative statements.
I do hope that democratic and liberal actors on the global stage are working together in quiet spaces to find ways to rebalance societies without poking the bear that is Trump.
Trump is a bully who thrives on attention, confrontation and driving up emotions. Solid shows of calming strength are what is needed. Not sure it’s there, but here’s hoping.
Today he is blaming the Washington DC air crash on unqualified air controllers hired for “diversity, equity and inclusion” programmes without a shred of evidence. What an absolute racist c*nt.
What makes this comment even more sickening or infuriating is that thousands or maybe millions of his supporters will doubtless be nodding in agreement at his “wisdom”.
I see also on Twitter that mad conspiracy theories have already started. Allegedly the crash was no accident, sheeple, but was in fact deliberate, involving a remotely piloted or AI-controlled helicopter to distract people from the Senate hearings of RFK Jr and the proposed head of the FBI. I’m sure even weirder theories can be found elsewhere.
It would be nice if these people could wait at least one day for the families to grieve and for the expert investigators to start doing their jobs.
I am not surprised that someone appointed to a diplomatic role is being diplomatic. At the very least, he has rowed back from his position publicly and explicitly. One could only imagine the doublespeak someone like Boris would have attempted.
The relationship with the US is important. I’d rather a pragmatic approach to it than one based on what was said 6 or 7 years ago. Relationships take compromise to work.
My dad used to say the difference between a bad haircut and a good one is usually a couple of weeks. I suspect he wasn’t including perms in that though.
Regrettable as it may be, the job of politicians in such circumstances is to serve the interests of the country, rather than their own personal predilections. It’s how they tolerate sitting in the same room as many of the leaders with whom we cooperate.
The preoccupation with giving the appearance of virtue is part of what’s lead us all to this dreadful pass. The idea that what matters is what’s said, rather than what’s done. David Lammy slagging off Donald Trump may give some a warm tingle, but it achieves nothing. In fact, it burns what small influence he might yet have.
It’s not the job of UK politicians to resist Trump, not at this stage anyway. It’s the job of the Democratic Party, who, having tried pretty much nothing in the last few years, now appear to have concluded that all its options have been exhausted, and who are therefore treating themselves to a period of post election system shock.
They need to wake up from their stupor pronto, step away from the day trading terminal and stand and fight. No amount of belligerence from UK politicians will go an iota of the way towards compensating for the lack of basic competence and spine of our American cousins.
They’ve had approximately 10 years in which to formulate a strategy. It’s not looking hopeful that one will arive in the next few weeks. If only there had been some warning, just the tiniest sign that they might not win in 2024.
Didn’t Walz get the running mate gig after he came up with the “weird” thing? It absolutely ground my gears. The smug complacency of it defined the hapless Harris-Walz campaign.
by 38 Comments 
Likewise Lammy
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/nov/08/david-lammy-dismisses-past-criticism-donald-trump-old-news
Lammy is as thick as mince. Worst among equals.
Given the three years they had to plan after he defenestrated Tragic Grandpa et al, it’s amazing how fast Startmer’s government squandered the huge reservoir of goodwill they had from voters who wanted the Tories gone
* albeit far less convincingly than it looked in terms of seats
Antoinette? Fucking priceless
So Henry VII acceded to the throne upon the death of his father Henry VIII???
I’ve got some mince in the fridge which isn’t happy at being compared to this clown.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
Indeed. That’s just politics, folks.
Like it or not, Trump is the man the UK must now deal with. Yes, of course he’s a prick, but he’s a prick who’s now back in charge of the biggest and most powerful economy on the planet for the next four years.
If Mandleson and Lammy had simply reiterated their original remarks about him, I think we all know what Trump’s response would be. The US is far too large and important a market for British businesses to now risk fucking things up for ourselves with them for years, just for the pleasure of being able to say “See, I TOLD you he was a total arsehole.”
I think he’s a great option. He’s incredibly experienced, impeccably connected and probably a bit exotic which will go down well. There are probably plenty of reasons to dislike him but I like him.
Totally agree with you @Slug.
Just this week Trump and Starmer have had what seems to be the start of a Bromance.
We both know they can’t stand each other but it is ‘the games people play’. We are strategically important to the US both militarily and in terms of intelligence.
We are also an important trading partner with an equal balance of trade both ways. If the UK lost that we would totally be in the shit.
At present there is a pragmatism on either side that it is important to maintain. Should that be lost then we in the UK would suffer terribly so I for one don’t mind the double speak.
Is the current arselicking of any greater significance than the previous slagging-off?
An illustration of the real importance of sincerity in politics.
For avoidance of doubt, @Twang: which of the three were you referring to –
Mandelson, Lammy…or Trump? 🙂
Arf. Mandy.
I knew the rimjobs on Trump would emerge once he was in power. Whisper it not, but politicos are often all mouth and no trousers, and utterly complicit in the corrupt game they pretend to be above.
I DISKARD THEM.
I predict a 180 degree change in about four years.
Not spineless, but as consistent in oily f*ckery as he’s ever been.
It’s been said that should one look up the word ‘odious’ in certain dictionaries, you’ll find that famous pic of POD ( Prince Of Darkness as the Civil Service dubbed him) trying on togs at a boutique with his great pal Jeffrey Epstein.
Depressingly predictable. One could argue, well what did we expect any of them, Starmer, Mandelson, Lammy etc, to say? “As President Trump takes office, our view remains that he is a half-deranged, thoroughly nasty piece of work voted in by a combination of desperation, bigoted morons and a pathetic Democratic performance – and we will stand up to him”
Mandy being Mandy his climbdown is perfectly understandable. Duplicity is what he does.
Knowing he might one day soon have to work with Trump, Lammy is stupid for saying what he said on the public record to begin with.
Brilliant.
Worthy of Chris Morris at his very best
Excellent!
There was a need for more diplomatic language than they’ve used in the past – just the reality of having to deal with Trump and his cronies – but I think Mandelson and Lammy have both gone over the top.
I wonder if there have been quiet words from Trump’s people that they will only talk seriously with our government if there are some fawning comments in advance – that would pander to his narcissism – but it still makes the stomach turn to listen to the bilge. I can only take a shred of comfort in feeling sure that they don’t mean a word of it.
Agree. I recognise UK has to deal with this idiotic administration, but Mandy’s statement was revolting and I didn’t believe a word of it. Better to say nothing at all
Sadly, the UK needs Trump and the US more than Trump and the US needs the UK
It brings to my mind the Private Eye front page this week, which is a full apology to Donald Trump – including “we also acknowledge that he is athletic and young-looking”.
On the OP, I don’t think those in diplomatic leadership positions are famous for forthright and combative language directed at the leader of their Embassy’s host country. I also can’t think of a single significant thing a UK Ambassador to the USA has said or done in my lifetime. The last one I remember by name was Peter Jay.
Peter Jay – from near the top of one of those Leaders of the Future features TIME Magazine used to run in the 60s to bagman-cum stooge Robert Maxwell used to love humiliating in the 80s
On a related topic (PJ was his predecessor at Weekend World) has anybody watched Bwian and Maggie on C4?
All the weviews I’ve wead thus far have waved how good it is
“athletic and young-looking”
One of the political podcasts (Stewart/Campbell or Sopel/Maitlis/Goodall) was suggesting that Europe could threaten to block export of Ozempic to the US as a tactic, as it was clear (to them) that Trump had recently lost a significant amount of weight.
I thought a recent interview the Newsagents did with Peter Kyle MP was rather good. He didn’t shy away from admitting the situation with Trump and the rest of the world was turbulent, but claimed, with good reason, that he should stick to his (IT) brief and not make speculative statements.
I do hope that democratic and liberal actors on the global stage are working together in quiet spaces to find ways to rebalance societies without poking the bear that is Trump.
Trump is a bully who thrives on attention, confrontation and driving up emotions. Solid shows of calming strength are what is needed. Not sure it’s there, but here’s hoping.
Problem is right wing populist party leaders and policies seem to be gaining a worryingly strong foothold across Europe right now.
Yes, it’s a very different landscape from 2017.
Today he is blaming the Washington DC air crash on unqualified air controllers hired for “diversity, equity and inclusion” programmes without a shred of evidence. What an absolute racist c*nt.
What makes this comment even more sickening or infuriating is that thousands or maybe millions of his supporters will doubtless be nodding in agreement at his “wisdom”.
I see also on Twitter that mad conspiracy theories have already started. Allegedly the crash was no accident, sheeple, but was in fact deliberate, involving a remotely piloted or AI-controlled helicopter to distract people from the Senate hearings of RFK Jr and the proposed head of the FBI. I’m sure even weirder theories can be found elsewhere.
It would be nice if these people could wait at least one day for the families to grieve and for the expert investigators to start doing their jobs.
Yep. Every time I think that he can sink no lower, he proves me wrong.
I am not surprised that someone appointed to a diplomatic role is being diplomatic. At the very least, he has rowed back from his position publicly and explicitly. One could only imagine the doublespeak someone like Boris would have attempted.
The relationship with the US is important. I’d rather a pragmatic approach to it than one based on what was said 6 or 7 years ago. Relationships take compromise to work.
6 or 7 years ago, Mrs F had a perm. I told her I didn’t like it.
I have since learned that I was wrong, and I am happy to tell everyone in public.
She has the finest haircuts in the land, and it is surprisingly vibrant natural brown, and definitely not out of a bottle.
My dad used to say the difference between a bad haircut and a good one is usually a couple of weeks. I suspect he wasn’t including perms in that though.
Kevin Keegan’s career never really recovered
Regrettable as it may be, the job of politicians in such circumstances is to serve the interests of the country, rather than their own personal predilections. It’s how they tolerate sitting in the same room as many of the leaders with whom we cooperate.
The preoccupation with giving the appearance of virtue is part of what’s lead us all to this dreadful pass. The idea that what matters is what’s said, rather than what’s done. David Lammy slagging off Donald Trump may give some a warm tingle, but it achieves nothing. In fact, it burns what small influence he might yet have.
It’s not the job of UK politicians to resist Trump, not at this stage anyway. It’s the job of the Democratic Party, who, having tried pretty much nothing in the last few years, now appear to have concluded that all its options have been exhausted, and who are therefore treating themselves to a period of post election system shock.
They need to wake up from their stupor pronto, step away from the day trading terminal and stand and fight. No amount of belligerence from UK politicians will go an iota of the way towards compensating for the lack of basic competence and spine of our American cousins.
They’ve had approximately 10 years in which to formulate a strategy. It’s not looking hopeful that one will arive in the next few weeks. If only there had been some warning, just the tiniest sign that they might not win in 2024.
Maybe they can call him weird again. A brilliant campaign strategy that gave everyone a great two weeks on Twitter.
So incredibly frustrating to watch.
Didn’t Walz get the running mate gig after he came up with the “weird” thing? It absolutely ground my gears. The smug complacency of it defined the hapless Harris-Walz campaign.