Theresa May must make it her mission to get Trump on side for Britain’s benefit – lecturing him on controversial views won’t do anything
Politicians must put their personal views on Trump aside if they are to work with the US to pursue policies that benefit both nations
AMERICA is our closest and most powerful friend and ally. It is a nation of 325million people. It is not Donald Trump.
It doesn’t matter what anyone in Britain personally thinks of the new President — not even Theresa May.
When she sets foot in the White House today it is her sole duty to promote Britain’s interests.
She must ignore the politicians, celebs and Twitter bores hysterically clamouring for her to give Trump a monstering over his controversial views.
Our PM is there to establish a mutually prosperous new era of friendship after eight years of us being talked down to by Barack “back of the queue” Obama.
That will enrich the lives of millions of Brits immeasurably more than hectoring the world’s most powerful man in the comfort of his own home.
To the Left, of course, a politician’s “values” trump everything else. Which is why they now elevate Obama, that great liberal icon, to Christlike status and ignore what a poor President he was.
There are three matters the PM must raise. The first is to ram home to Trump how crucial Nato is to peace in Europe.
Mrs May will doubtless agree with his complaint that some members don’t pay their way. The answer is to make them — not undermine the organisation by softening America’s commitment to it.
She must further warn the President not to underestimate Vladimir Putin’s aggression, no matter how much he respects him. Russian forces would exploit any sign of a weakened Nato.
The third issue is a US-UK free trade deal, a potentially huge post-Brexit boost.
It was obvious Trump’s inauguration speech about protecting US firms and jobs from foreign competition was aimed at China and Mexico — it never threatened a possible deal with Britain.
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Mrs May must talk up our country with justified optimism. At the referendum last June 23 we took a brave and historic step Trump hugely admires.
And despite all the warnings of immediate disaster, new UK growth figures are outstripping all others in the G7.
Mrs May has personally had an excellent fortnight and deservedly has a spring in her step.
She is a big player, leading one of the world’s greatest economies into an exciting and historic new era.
She must have every confidence and look Trump, the great deal-maker, squarely in the eye. As opposed to poking him in it.
Knight this hero
FROM bombing German dams to his ongoing charity work, Johnny Johnson has devoted his 95 years to Britain.
The Dambusters veteran deserves a knighthood far more than some civil service lickspittle.
So Downing Street should heed the 240,000-strong Sun petition which Carol Vorderman handed in yesterday.
And give a gong to a true war hero, not a Whitehall zero.