Has King Charles gone doolally on his Canada trip?
Spectator (UK)MAY 26
Starmer to Meet Carney in Canada For Trade and Security Talks
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney in 10 Downing Street on March 17, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: Jordan Pettitt/WPA Pool/Getty Images via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
The U.K. and Canada share historic ties, democratic values, and a global outlook. As Trump’s erratic foreign policy corrodes global trust, Westminster and Ottawa should turn to each other, and not Washington, to achieve common goals. Through a commitment to the liberal international order, Starmer and Carney can shape a positive future and defy Trumpian threats to national sovereignty.
Pro-Trump narrative
Canada and the U.K. would do well to tread carefully. Trump isn’t bluffing on trade or security, and posturing with royal speeches and media theatrics is merely tempting repercussions for Carney and Starmer. The U.S. still honors its traditional alliances, but it demands respect and fair dealing. The U.K. and Canada must recognize this new reality or see themselves quickly fall out of favor.