Blame Left’s hysteria

THIS paper has repeatedly made clear its deep reservations about Donald Trump. But equally we recognise our national interest lies in having strong ties with the US – our close ally and largest trading partner.

So it is without doubt a diplomatic blow that the President has gone cold on his planned visit to Britain.

Theresa May bears none of the blame for what will inevitably be seen as a snub. Indeed, she has gone out of her way to secure good relations with the White House. Even when she objected to his retweeting of vile anti-Islamic videos by a far-Right group, she did so with diplomatic restraint.

No, the fault lies firmly with Mr Trump’s hysterical critics. Their outrage at his every utterance, and the threat of demonstrations, have clearly made him feel unwelcome.

Yet the very same people didn’t bat an eyelid when their darling – French president Emmanuel Macron – rolled out the red carpet, nor raised a murmur of protest when Britain hosted torturers and despots.

If damage has been done to our strong alliance with the US, and to hopes of a post-Brexit trade deal, it is they who must take the blame.