Labour MP Hails Trump State Visit as "High-Wire Act" Despite Criticism

Senior Labour MP Says State Visit Was a "High-Wire Act" That Made Progress LONDON - A senior Labour MP has described the recent state visit by President Trump as a "high-wire act" that made progress, despite criticism from some quarters. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the British Parliament, told All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly that the visit was a delicate balancing act. "It's a high-wire act to try and persuade someone who has been so consistently supportive of Putin to take a harder line," she said. The state visit, which took place last month, saw President Trump meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister's country estate. The meeting was seen as an opportunity for the British government to persuade Trump to adopt a tougher stance on Russia in light of its ongoing aggression towards Ukraine. Thornberry acknowledged that progress had been made during the visit, but added that more needed to be done. "We need to see concrete actions from President Trump to demonstrate his commitment to standing up to Putin," she said. The state visit was not without controversy, however. Some critics accused Prime Minister Starmer of being too soft on Trump, while others argued that the visit was a distraction from more pressing issues facing the country. In response to criticism, Thornberry said that the Labour Party had been clear in its opposition to Trump's policies and actions. "We have consistently spoken out against Trump's support for Putin and his attempts to undermine democracy," she said. The state visit has also sparked debate about the role of the British government in shaping US foreign policy. Some argue that the UK should be more assertive in its dealings with Washington, while others believe that a softer approach is needed to maintain good relations. As the situation continues to unfold, Thornberry emphasized the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. "We need to work together to address the challenges facing our world, including the threat posed by Putin's Russia," she said. The Labour Party has called for greater transparency and accountability in the UK's dealings with the US, and Thornberry has pledged to continue pushing for this agenda. In a statement, Prime Minister Starmer's office said that the state visit had been a success and that progress had been made on several key issues. "We are committed to working closely with our international partners to address global challenges," a spokesperson said. The UK government has also announced plans to increase its support for Ukraine in light of Russia's ongoing aggression. Thornberry welcomed this move, saying it was a step in the right direction. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the state visit has left a complex legacy that will be felt for some time to come. *Reporting by Npr.*