Trump is pushing Britain closer to EuropeThe Guardian EDITORIALThere is truth to US President Donald Trump’s declaration earlier this week that the UK-US relationship is “not what it was,” although there is no indication that he understands the reasons for the change. Disagreements about Iran could complicate relations between Washington and Brussels, but Trump would not sever economic ties with the bloc just to spite Sanchez. The contrast with France, whose security and defense capabilities have evolved out of Gaullist mistrust of the US, is notable. Starmer is rightly pursuing a policy of closer European cooperation in defense and security policy, but negotiations are moving slowly. The legacy of Brexit complicates the relationship with Europe, but it does not alter the strategic imperative of making common cause with continental allies.

Source: Taipei Times March 08, 2026 16:19 UTC