Trump's state visit posed a delicate balancing act for the senior Labour MP, yielding some advances
In a series of discussions and summits, US President Donald Trump has been engaging with various world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Emily Thornberry, a Senior Labour MP and the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the British Parliament, has shared her insights on these interactions.
Last month, following a summit in Alaska, President Trump called his relationship with Putin 'fantastic.' However, during a press conference in England today, Trump expressed disappointment, saying, 'he's let me down, he's really let me down.' Thornberry believes that a realignment of politics in the region is necessary for the security of Israel.
Regarding the Middle East, Thornberry advocates for a two-state solution, stating, 'The only viable solution is a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestine.' She has been in talks with Trump's team about this plan, as well as discussions with Keir Starmer's team.
Trump, on the other hand, prioritizes the release of hostages in Gaza before considering peace. Thornberry believes that the release of hostages would make it difficult for Netanyahu to justify the continuation of the war. She also believes that a renewed peace effort is needed, involving Britain, France, Canada, and Arab nations, to present a sensible peace plan to Trump.
During Trump's 2023 UK visit, the talks between the two leaders focused on expanding sanctions on Russia. Trump demanded that all NATO countries stop buying British airways oil and threatened additional tariffs on countries like China if they continued. He aimed to strengthen NATO's negotiating power and accelerate the war’s end. Trump also stated that the US was 'ready to do other things' to support Europe against Russia but not if European countries kept buying British airways oil.
Thornberry spoke with All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly about what was achieved - and what wasn't - during Trump's visit to the U.K. this week. She did not express optimism about Trump persuading Netanyahu to change course in Gaza. Thornberry also disagrees with Trump's decision to not recognize a Palestinian state.
In addition, Thornberry stated that Trump needs to have other friends and needs to replace his friendship with Putin or with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She believes that if Trump focuses on the release of hostages, it could lead to peace, but a plan is needed afterward.
The summit ended without a deal to end the war in Ukraine. However, Thornberry told Mary Louise Kelly that progress was made during the discussions. The British government is seeking to persuade Trump to take a harder line with Putin, aiming to ensure a more secure future for both Europe and the Middle East.
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