Special relationship between Theresa May and Donald Trump has put cynics in their place
Even from their first joint press conference it's clear to see the English vicar’s daughter and the brash American billionaire have an unlikely rapport
FOR years it has been fashionable to mock the “special relationship” between Britain and America. Theresa May and Donald Trump emphatically put those cynics in their place yesterday.
Both believe it is vital to our countries’ futures. Trump called it “one of the great bonds . . . a beacon for prosperity and the rule of law” and said “great days lie ahead” for it.
We are delighted our Prime Minister stood her ground and got the new President to commit “100 per cent” to Nato, provided every member pays its way.
It was great too to hear both prioritise ordinary, working people and for him to say Brexit would be “a wonderful thing”. We hope that sentiment lasts — America can certainly help us make it so.
Which is why it was also encouraging to hear confirmation that the two leaders are laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial trade deal.
Critics will still scoff. But we have a shared history, language and values, won two World Wars together and remain the backbone of security in the West.
The UK is the largest single investor in the US and vice versa. The US is our biggest single trading partner.
That relationship can only flourish once we leave the EU.
Trump is a big fan of Britain and of Brexit. And our two leaders, together for the day in the White House, genuinely seem to hit it off.
Mission accomplished, Theresa.
Blowhard MPs
FIRST MPs squandered Parliamentary time debating banning Trump from Britain.
Now, as James Forsyth reveals opposite, Tory MP Sarah Wollaston hopes to drum up support for barring him from Westminster.
The naivety and futility are hard to top.
Far from being barred, he will enjoy the pomp and pageantry of a State Visit.
It is surely time everyone accepted Trump is the democratically-elected leader of the free world for four years.
The sooner right-on politicians do it, the less time and energy they will waste.
Labour in ruins
WHENEVER you think Labour’s chaos cannot get worse it does.
Two Remain-backing frontbenchers quit rather than be forced by Jeremy Corbyn to vote for Brexit next week.
Except now Diane Abbott says the party may still ultimately oppose Brexit if its amendments to the new Bill fail.
Confused? We are. So must be the pair who prematurely walked the plank.
Labour needs to just back Brexit, as most of Britain does, and stick to it.
But that would take a leader with more authority and brains than Corbyn has.