Starmer must tread carefully to avoid wrath of unpredictable Trump

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will need to navigate his way through a relationship with incoming US president Donald Trump without giving him an excuse impose devastating trade barriers

Another four years of Donald Trump in the White House will test the special relationship between us and America.

In the run-up to the election he showed himself ambivalent over the outcome of the war in Ukraine and repeated his pledge to withdraw funding from Nato if other members refuse to pay their way. He has also threatened a trade war by slapping tariffs on British and EU imports. This would gravely damage our economy, potentially costing billions in lost revenue.

Keir Starmer must find a way of preventing the notoriously unpredictable and thin-skinned President-elect from pursuing policies that will wreak havoc on our financial and security interests. Despite their political differences, the PM got on well with Trump when they met in New York in September. Foreign Secretary David Lammy also appears to have a good rapport with Vice President-elect Vance.

But no one is under any illusion that dealing with an “America First” President Trump will be anything other than a diplomatic minefield.

Prince’s ordeal

The Royal Family has a reputation for a stiff upper lip in the face of adversity.

So it was refreshing to hear Prince William speak so candidly about how gruelling life has been since both his wife and his father were diagnosed with cancer.

It has been, he admitted, the hardest year of his life. Indeed it has been “brutal” at times.

His words are a reminder that, whether you live in a palace or a terrace, a family illness is always a worrying time for nearest and dearest. Thankfully, the Prince can take comfort from knowing that both Kate and the King are on the road to recovery.

Sting in tale

The I’m A Celebrity jungle is crawling with 10 types of venomous snakes.

And the campmates haven’t even arrived yet…