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PZE's avatar

Having worked in Govt and in an Embassy, I’m not convinced that Ambassadors do report back how bad things are. You are rewarded for saying how influential and wonderful the U.K. is not reporting news of our decline. Perhaps informally the comments are made? I also think that there has been a hollowing out of the FCDO the calibre of people seems much poorer at the top.

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Tony F's avatar

I was appalled to hear Starmer say that. I don't know who is advising him, but in my opinion he needs to get real, and very quickly.

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Ian Clark's avatar

The idea of “cozying up to Trump” sends shivers down the spine. What price being in AUKUS if Trump is going to pass everything on to Putin, etc, etc. Starmer should move close to the EU now, Trump will be gone before the next election here - make the first move before he’s even inaugurated

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Anne Senechal's avatar

Let’s hope Starmer is being ‘economical with the truth’ and knows this perfectly well, just can’t afford to say it out loud?

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Simon Carne's avatar

I agree with your analysis. Wilsonian diplomacy probably best for now

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