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THE DEMOCRATIC election of President Trump as the leader of our closest ally must be respected and welcomed.
In the face of his overwhelming mandate the most vital thing that our country must now do is invest in our special relationship with the US and continue to nurture our mutual bonds with this new administration.
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It is always in our national interest to work closely and constructively with the office holder whoever they are and when the UK-US relationship is at its strongest the world becomes a safer place.
Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan’s shared values delivered prosperity, economic success and security, while bringing about the end of the Cold War.
Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt helped shape the freedoms enjoyed in Western Europe after the Second World War.
Those relationships were built on trust and respect.
But sadly, for too long, the prejudicial attitudes and reckless comments of Labour politicians have put this vital relationship at risk and compromises our ability to build the trust and rapport that effective diplomacy relies upon with our US counterparts.
The comments of the Foreign Secretary, and other members of this new government including the Deputy Prime Minister, are not only regrettable but lack the maturity and diplomatic skill that leading politicians should display.
We need grown ups advocating for our national interests on the world stage not clumsy politicians who get a buzz out of insulting our allies and seeking the applause of the liberal establishment, leftie celebrities and a social media echo-chamber.
With all the challenges, uncertainties and dangers the world faces, the Government simply cannot afford to do anything that compromises the unity of the transatlantic alliance and security that the UK-US special relationship brings.
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That doesn’t mean we blindly follow the wishes of the US President.
But we do need to make sure we are in the room able to discuss and negotiate respectfully and frankly with the incoming US Administration and influence the best way to deliver security, prosperity and peace.
The growing tensions in the pacific and the rise of an increasingly emboldened China, the hostile actions of Iran, and Putin’s aggression – are key challenges of the modern geopolitical landscape and the free world needs to see a unity of purpose from the UK and US governments.
With so much at stake, it would therefore seem appropriate for the Labour Government to at least make the effort to right their obvious diplomatic wrongs.
It would take very little for David Lammy to disown his counterproductive and damaging statements to wipe the slate clean with just a simple gesture of humility.
He should apologise for the comments.
Yet, when challenged in the House of Commons by the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, Keir Starmer failed to take the opportunity to do exactly that.
But it’s not only the special relationship with the US that Labour are jeopardising – they are showing weakness on the global stage.
Only a few week’s ago Keir Starmer and David Lammy surrendered the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands sending the signal internationally that this Labour government is clearly not prepared to take the difficult decisions necessary to secure our national security, and that of our allies.
Labour’s weak and feeble approach to foreign affairs will embolden our enemies and hurt our national interests, just as their tax-grabbing business-bashing socialist Budget will harm our economy.
Their Budget of broken promises betrayed the working people of this country with a £40bn tax raid which will, according to the government’s own independent watchdog, drive down living standards, risk mortgage increases for families, and leave this country with anaemic economic growth prospects.
Their union rights bill will tie up businesses in red tape, making it less attractive to hire or invest in this country – a fact only compounded by their assault on businesses at the budget.
Their energy policy and breakneck drive to Net Zero puts hundreds of thousands of jobs in our North Sea Oil & Gas sectors at risk, and leaves billpayers to pick up the tab.
Their refusal to get serious about tackling illegal migration, an issue that as former Home Secretary I know is one of the greatest challenges we face, has seen the scrapping of the only deterrent this country had and a commitment to border security made up of little more than been a series of hollow sound bites and empty promises.
So I will not pretend that the road back to government will be easy, nor should it be taken for granted by the Conservative Party. But we will learn our hard lessons, both from home and from aboard.
And if Labour continue along their current trajectory, and refuse to listen, fail to back business, and are unable to stand up for the British interests on the world stage, then they will not only face the anger of the electorate, but a renewed Conservative Party ready to serve again in Government.
