Dave Murray, Socialist Party eastern region
Thanks to Shakespeare, any banquet held in Britain will be said to have a ghost at it. The UK state banquet for Donald Trump, held behind the walls of Windsor Castle, was haunted by three – the spectre of child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the remains of Prince Andrew’s reputation and the career of Peter Mandelson.
All three are connected to each other and to the guest of honour by bonds of friendship, a fact illustrated by a giant projection onto the castle depicting the president in ‘happier times’ – socialising with the world’s most notorious paedophile. Right-wing ‘free speech’ crusaders seem unphased by the fact that the folks who displayed said photos were quickly arrested and subjected to criminal charges under the Malicious Communications Act. On the menu was Ballotine, chicken that’s had its spine and all rigid parts removed prior to cooking; Poulet à la Starmer, perhaps?
According to the UK media, Trump’s great Hogwarts sleepover was a rare triumph for Sir Keir. Despite having to deliver a formal speech at the banquet and a press Q&A at the PM’s country retreat the next day, President Trump didn’t offer to buy or invade any countries. Nor did he declare himself a living god or make his horse a senator. He did appear to confuse Abbamania, a cultural phenomenon, with a warring state, but since he’s done the same with ‘antifa’ that was hardly even news. More remarkable to the commentariat was the mildness of the President’s disagreement with Keir Starmer’s recognition of Palestine. Clearly Mr Trump can recognise a totally cynical gesture, even if they can’t.
Another ‘win’ for Starmer was a tech deal said to be worth $340 billion, to which Trump applied his public scribble. Starmer says US tech companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI and Google will create 15,000 UK jobs. For investments worth 10% of Britain’s GDP? You do the maths. UK attempts to get a zero tariff on steel have now ended, leaving Britain on 25% rather than the standard 50%. To be fair, Britain has only the remnants of a steel industry due to failure to invest by private corporations and government alike. In your face, rest of the world!
The visit seems to have been managed so as to minimise public scrutiny and, above all, protest. Respect and solidarity is due to all who protested Trump’s second visit to the UK as an honoured guest.
