KEMI V KEIR
Kemi demands Keir APOLOGISE to Trump in fiery 1st PMQs as Tory leader after Foreign Secretary called US President ‘Nazi’
In tweets spanning across 2017 - 2019, the Foreign Secretary branded Trump a 'sociopath' and 'far right'
THE Prime Minister refused to apologise to Donald Trump yesterday for jibes made by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch used her first PMQs to challenge Sir Keir Starmer on Labour’s view of the Republican President-elect as he tries to patch up their relationship.
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She grilled Sir Keir over “derogatory” comments by Mr Lammy in 2018 — branding Mr Trump a “neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath”.
Mr Lammy sat in silence on the frontbench as she demanded to know whether any apologies were issued during their recent dinner in New York.
She said: “The PM and the Foreign Secretary met Mr Trump in September. Did the Foreign Secretary take that opportunity to apologise for making derogatory and scatological references, including, and I quote, ‘Trump is not only a woman-hating neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath, he is also a profound threat to the international order’?
“And if he did not apologise, will the Prime Minister do so now on his behalf?”
READ MORE ON US ELECTION
In tweets between 2017 and 2019, Mr Lammy suggested there were similarities between Hitler’s and Mr Trump’s speeches.
He called him a “serial liar and cheat” who is a “KKK and Nazi sympathiser”.
The PM brushed off Ms Badenoch’s demands yesterday and No 10 said Mr Lammy would stay in post.
And in a grovelling post yesterday, Mr Lammy said: “Congratulations to Donald Trump on your victory. We look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”
Most read in The Sun
The Labour Government faces a diplomatic headache after Mr Trump’s election win — with the party deeply divided.
Sir Keir phoned the President-elect last night to congratulate him.
Donald Trump wins - Here's how ex-President crushed Kamala & cruised to sensational election victory
The PM had earlier heaped praise on the political maverick after his victory in a clear bid to forge ties.
Sir Keir said in a statement: “Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”
But Sadiq Khan and Labour MPs did not hold back in their criticism of Mr Trump after the election.
The London Mayor, who has publicly clashed with him in the past, said: “I know that many Londoners will be anxious about the result.
“Many will be fearful about what it will mean for democracy and for women’s rights, or how the result impacts the situation in the Middle East or the fate of Ukraine.
“Others will be worried about the future of Nato or tackling the climate crisis. London will always be pro-women, pro-diversity, pro-climate and pro-human rights.”
He added: “The lesson of today is that progress is not inevitable.”
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, was challenged on the BBC for calling Mr Trump a “racist sexual predator”.
She replied: “Well, he is. But he is the President and we need to work with him.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy appeared to say Mr Trump was someone who “denies” women’s rights.
She said: “Stop blaming women wanting rights, as if the men who vote for a man who denies them aren’t accountable. Recognise globally we must rebuild the case for a politics that unlocks talent.”
Tensions flared during Mr Trump’s campaign when Labour supporters travelled across the pond to campaign for the Democrats. Mr Trump responded by calling Labour a “far-left party”.
The PM also had heated exchanges with tycoon Elon Musk, who publicly backed Mr Trump.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
While Ms Badenoch congratulated the President-elect on his “historic election victory”, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said it was a “dark, dark day for people around the globe.”
Sir Ed said: “The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.”
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Labour pains over rebirth of The Don
SIR Keir Starmer kicked off PMQs yesterday by congratulating Donald Trump on his election victory.
The PM was grinning and bearing it but make no mistake — a Trump Presidency is his worst nightmare.
You didn’t have to be Mystic Meg to divine what Labour MPs really thought about the Republican landslide.
Rachel Reeves was ashen-faced. Angela Rayner clenched her knuckles.
On the backbenches, Carolyn Harris physically squirmed at the mention of Trump.
It was all a gift to Kemi Badenoch, making her debut as Conservative Party leader.
She flashed a smile — and plunged the knife.
She asked if David Lammy had apologised for calling Trump a “woman-hating neo-Nazi sympathising sociopath” when they had dinner in September?
And if not, would the PM say sorry? Ouch — that’ll hurt.
Mr Lammy shook his head dismissively.
Sir Keir insisted dinner was lovely and they all had a jolly good time.
But Kemi kept going.
Why did most of the Labour Cabinet sign a motion to ban Trump from addressing Parliament when he was last in the White House?
And if they are such good mates now, why doesn’t Sir Keir invite him?
Kemi, in a few questions, laid bare No 10’s crisis.
Labour has a Trump problem.
The party was not just praying for a Kamala Harris victory — they campaigned for it, sending 100 party activists to the US.
Furious Republicans accused Labour of interference.
They will not easily forgive — or forget.
It is now a real opportunity for Labour’s rivals.
Kemi can seize the moment to find common cause with The Don and turn the screw on Sir Keir.
But Nigel Farage and his Reform UK have the most to gain.
He is genuinely good mates with Trump — even bagging a ticket to watch the results at Mar-a-Lago.
Sir Keir’s nightmare could be a dream come true for his enemies.
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