Hanging out with Donald Trump and the King helps Keir Starmer forget his failed government

OPINION

We know that Donald Trump enjoyed the pomp and pageantry celebrating his arrival at Windsor Castle. He loves that stuff - which is why the British government, aided by the gallant King Charles, gave it to him. Let’s hope that Sir Keir Starmer has been enjoying Donald Trump’s state visit too. It’s a reminder of one of the Government’s rare successes - charming the US President to ensure he spares the UK the worst of his erratic “America first” policy.

It’s a little humiliating that we’ve had to grovel to the US President to ensure he reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) tariffs on our products, and pays some attention to our views on the Ukraine conflict. But that’s what it took. And Sir Keir has played something of a diplomatic blinder, keeping Mr Trump on board while showing his steadfast support for Ukraine’s Zelensky, a man the US President has little time for.

The past few days of marching bands and state banquets have provided a welcome period of respite for the Prime Minister from the grind of domestic politics - where Sir Keir is finding the going much tougher.

He’s been rocked by resignation and scandals, and it’s only going to get worse.

With inflation stubbornly high and unemployment rising, Sir Keir is preparing for a nightmare budget on November 26. His Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be forced to put up taxes because the Treasury is currently spending far more than it receives, but this will just make the economic situation worse.

Before then, he faces a Labour conference in Liverpool where everyone will be asking how long he can remain as Prime Minister. The answer, probably, is all the way until the next election, but the constant speculation about his leadership will help to sap his authority and encourage rebellious Labour backbenchers to make trouble.

All eyes at the conference will be on Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who will be attending and is seen as a potential replacement for Sir Keir in Number 10.

And if Labour’s internal politics are a problem, the wider political picture may be even worse for the Prime Minister.

Reform’s opinion poll lead may yet turn out to be a temporary phenomena, but it’s looking increasingly like Sir Keir could be a one-term Prime Minister with Nigel Farage replacing him in Number 10 before long.

Sir Keir could be forgiven, then, if he made the most of the fun and games of the past couple of days. But he’s about to come back to reality with a jolt.