Starmer's diplomacy wins Trump dramatic U-turn

It is impossible to see the last week as anything other than a diplomatic triumph for Sir Keir Starmer.

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He has stood firm on Greenland, faced down the White House’s tariff threats, brought together European allies and, by drawing a line in the sand, helped force a U-turn from Donald Trump that few saw coming. The clouds that had gathered have lifted, according to The Independent.

Sir Keir is correct with his strong stance. Of course, he has not worked alone, helped by acute pressure applied by almost all of America’s allies, by Republican senators, American public opinion and, perhaps most persuasively, by the adverse reaction of financial markets to Trump's policy.

Still, Sir Keir ended the week vindicated and enjoying enhanced respect. Combining respect with resolve, the special relationship somehow survived the turbulence. It was far from inevitable.

All this is not to ignore personal poll ratings at home. They make for grim reading. Yet if Sir Keir were as successful in his domestic agenda as he has been in foreign affairs, he would be comfortably looking forward to the round of elections in May and, indeed, a likely second term of office.