David Lammy has downplayed calling Donald Trump a “neo-nazi” and insisted he can discover frequent floor with the brand new president-elect.
The overseas secretary stated the remarks he made in 2018 have been “old news” and on the time most politicians “had some pretty ripe things to say” concerning the then chief of the US.
Mr Lammy was chatting with the BBC’s newscast podcast a day after Mr Trump received the 2024 election with a monumental political comeback.
He revealed he just lately had a meal with the incoming president and “he was a very gracious host”.
Mr Lammy stated: “He did supply me a second portion of hen. He was very beneficiant, very gracious, very eager to guarantee that we felt relaxed and cozy in his environment.
“He was funny. He was warm about the UK, very warm about the Royal Family. I’ve got to tell you, he loves Scotland.”
The cupboard minister added that Mr Trump “did not even vaguely” carry up his previous feedback.
This contains Mr Lammy saying: “Trump is not only a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath. He is also a profound threat to the international order that has been the foundation of Western progress for so long.”
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Mr Lammy was a backbench MP within the opposition on the time, however now that he’s in authorities with the job of overseas secretary he must work intently with Mr Trump – posing awkward questions for him.
Pressed on the implications of his remarks, Mr Lammy stated: “You don’t get to be a senior politician in our nation except you’ll find frequent floor.
“I’m well known in Westminster. I get along with folk. I just do.”
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He added: “What you say as a backbencher and what you do wearing the real duty of public office are two different things. And I am foreign secretary. There are things I know now that I didn’t know back then, and that’s the truth of it.”
Mr Lammy was additionally requested concerning the potential impression of Mr Trump’s insurance policies on UK commerce.
Some consultants have downplayed their forecasts for development, citing concern over his proposals to place up tariffs.
Requested if the UK might search a particular commerce association with the US that exempts us from that plan, Mr Lammy stated: “We will seek to ensure and to get across to the United States, and I believe that they would understand this, that hurting your closest allies cannot be in your medium or long-term interests.”
