Keir Starmer is betting everything on an America that doesn’t exist any more

Cosying up to Trump is an all-in gamble. Britain should be building better relations with more reliable allies closer to home, writes Rafael Behr

In Donald Trump's (right) visit to the UK this week, the British prime minister Keir Starmer (left) will practise the art of tactful diplomacy emphasising mutual advantage and historical alliance. Most of the words in that sentence mean nothing to the US president who is fluent only in self-interest.

Interpreters are not required for US heads of state visiting the UK, but that doesn’t mean Donald Trump and Keir Starmer will speak the same language this week. 

The British prime minister will practise the art of tactful diplomacy emphasising mutual advantage and historical alliance. Most of the words in that sentence mean nothing to a president who is fluent only in self-interest.