Chris Mason: Trump's Scotland visit gives Starmer invaluable access

Chris Mason: Trump's Scotland visit gives Starmer invaluable access

The US president and the prime minister took a scenic route, flying over Donald Trump’s newly established golf course in Aberdeen, during their visit. Days filled with diplomatic gestures interwoven with moments of absurdity, showcasing their unique relationship. Downing Street has come to terms with Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy, accepting the unconventional means of travel via helicopter to a private dinner at the golf course.

Trump’s supposedly private trip to Scotland has been anything but discreet, aligning perfectly with his public persona. His private interests, including the quality of the materials used at his golf courses, are openly discussed in public forums. Despite the visibility of his trip, Trump’s visit showcased a mixture of personal and political interactions with the UK prime minister.

The visit, occurring after his re-election, marked Trump’s first trip to the UK, ahead of his scheduled state visit in September. Discussions at Turnberry started with Trump praising the prime minister’s wife, amid the background noise of a bagpiper. The leaders engaged in lengthy discussions on various topics, followed by an extended Q&A session with journalists, covering a range of issues from turbines to pharmaceuticals.

The interactions between the two leaders present opportunities for the UK, with Downing Street seeing the access to Trump as beneficial. The discussions held during the visit hint at a possible alignment of views on Gaza, in line with ongoing dialogues between the UK, France, and Germany. Looking ahead, the cabinet is set to convene for a special summer meeting focused on finding solutions to the harrowing situation in the Middle East, building upon the discussions initiated during Trump’s visit

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