While Donald Trump’s official three-day visit to the UK has caused controversy, so far he has been on his best behaviour. A banquet with the Queen last night was followed by political talks today and Tuesday will see a celebration of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth. This comes at a time when the president is under enormous pressure back in the US with Chinese trade talks failing and punitive action taken by all parties involved. So, could Donald Trump strengthen US/UK relations and forge a new trading arrangement?
Talking the talk
For all his bluster and twitter comments, those who have met Donald Trump tend to speak relatively highly of him. He can be controversial, he can be impulsive but surprisingly many of the UK public are starting to warm to him. The pomp and ceremony of his arrival and a banquet with the Queen are now in the past and in many ways it is “down to business”. Today has seen an array of politically motivated meetings with various Tory party leadership candidates. Theresa May has also been advised to “hang around” to seal a significant UK/US trade deal although she is unlikely to extend her reign.
Could a trade deal be on the cards?
At this moment in time it looks as though a UK/US trade deal could well be on the cards. The only potential fly in the ointment is the suggestion that “the NHS is on the table”. For many people this is the jewel in the crown of the UK public sector and one which has, at least on the face of it, managed to avoid corporate influence. The reality is that behind-the-scenes there are many private operators pulling the strings and supplying the NHS with products and services. The NHS was effectively privatised many years ago although it is still “free” at the point of delivery.
So, while many of the press will no doubt make controversy regarding the inclusion of the NHS in any trade deal, it is already open to private entities.
Encouraging comments over Brexit
In some ways it is refreshing to see outside parties suggesting that the UK is making the right move with Brexit. Donald Trump has been very encouraging of UK politicians to pursue Brexit and allow the UK to “take back control”. Critics might suggest that an isolated UK would have less bargaining power with the likes of the US although supporters would point out the “special relationship”. The fact that the EU has been unable to negotiate a trade deal with the US seems to have been lost on many critics of the UK and US relationship. Indeed, it took seven years for the EU to negotiate a trade deal with Canada so how long might it take to conclude a deal with the US?
Conclusion
So far Donald Trump has been on his best behaviour and hardly put a foot wrong. True, some of the UK press have been picking up on the smallest of etiquette errors but they are certainly nothing major. He has been very positive about the outlook for the UK, extremely encouraging regarding trade talks and exceptionally complimentary about the Queen and her role within the UK. It does look as though the “special relationship” is stronger than ever which will surprise many people.