We need America

Alot of nonsense is talked about the UK’S relationship with Donald Trump. It is perfectly possible to dislike, even despair of, some of the things he says, while acknowledging that he is the most powerful man in the world and that Britain needs him as a friend. To make the best of Brexit, we need a US trade deal. To make Nato effective, we need a strong Atlantic alliance. And yet Left-wing British politicians, interested only in pleasing their base, have done their best to discourage a presidential visit – the most notable of whom is Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor of London cheered when Mr Trump pulled out of a visit to the new US embassy, an odd response considering how important America is to the capital and, given the size of the financial services sector, how much a trade deal could help Londoners. Mr Khan should focus on the real needs of his constituents by, say, tackling violent crime: four young men died in separate knife attacks in London during the New Year celebrations. Instead, Mr Khan burnishes his progressive credentials by attacking the President.

Frankly, it is a sign of weakness in the Government that it does not ignore the likes of Mr Khan and do its best to secure Mr Trump’s visit to Britain. This country has in the past welcomed Nicolae Ceaușescu and Robert Mugabe: Mr Trump isn’t even remotely comparable to such infamy. Meanwhile, other critics of Trumpism have rolled out the red carpet to the President: Japan, Germany and, most notably, France, which yesterday said that Mr Trump’s latest gaffe – reported remarks about Haiti and Africa – was best answered with silence. Indeed, a period of diplomatic silence would be welcome from Mr Khan, too.