Not so subtle
Your average diplomat loves nothing more than passing on messages in subtle and symbolic ways. Snubbing the Russian ambassador at a drinks do, being seen arm in arm with the French charge d’affaire to show solidarity, going on holiday rather than attend the national day parade.
Sir Keir has obviously been taking lessons on how to send such subtle messages to not only our foreign friends but to the Tory party and Reform.
Prominently on display at the Blenheim conference yesterday was the original Treaty of London, signed in 1949 and which set up the ECHR.
A clearer message it would be hard to send but just to be sure Sir Keir added bluntly that his government would “never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights”.
At this rate we will soon be having sensible, grown up discussions about matters of mutual interest and concern with our friends and neighbours. Oh my bad, they have already started.
Meanwhile the Tory party looks set to elect Kemi Badenoch as leader.
Got the message yet?
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.
By Jonty Bloom Media
Maybe if it is to be Badenoch then it’s a good idea for Starmer to send occasional blunt messages - not sure Kemi really does subtle (and as for Farage … )