Political Fix Trump taunts drive Starmer into EU’s arms
Apr 2, 2026
Robert Shrimsley, FT chief political commentator, gives long‑view analysis. Anna Gross, FT political correspondent, reports on UK‑EU ties and voter mood. Jim Pickard, FT deputy political editor, breaks down policy and election dynamics. They discuss Starmer’s pivot toward the EU after Trump's taunts. Conversations cover defence, energy, security cooperation strains and the impact on local elections.
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EU Political Will Meets Practical Limits
- Political will in Brussels may not translate into detailed concessions to an outside Britain because member states guard against cherry-picking.
- Robert Shrimsley warns national interests and no-cherry-picking principles will constrain substantive UK gains.
First Cracks In UK US Security Ties
- Early operational frictions are emerging in UK-US security cooperation beneath the political surface.
- Lucy Fisher reports US embedded officials' access is being restricted and basing requests are taking longer, signaling strain in Five Eyes ties.
Trump's Behaviour Enables UK Pushback
- Trump's personal unpredictability is making it easier politically for Starmer to stand up to him.
- Robert Shrimsley argues Trump's transactional moods mean he rewards flattery but snaps when ignored, easing Starmer's pushback.