Never judge and always keep an open mind.
Not something that’s been my strongest point over the years, even though I’ve tried and tried.
Starmer in the Oval Office on Friday, smiling and grovelling and waving the King’s letter to the world’s media in the presence of Trump.
Never judge and always keep an open mind.
Well, I didn’t! I slated him privately while shouting at the TV.
Even at the age of 70, every day is still a school day.
Fast forward to earlier today. 48hrs later, and arguably, Starmer appears as the ultimate statesman and diplomat. From follower to leader. Putting together the “coalition of the willing” in quick time fashion. Giving press conferences with little sleep, like a wartime PM, with confidence and precision. Talking about boots on the ground and planes in the air…I could hardly believe my ears. Answering journalists’ questions with absolute confidence in his and his coalition partners’ abilities, even though I’m sure that there is some degree of separation between them all.
Exactly what was needed, exactly what his electorate wanted to hear, exactly what Europe wanted to hear, exactly what the US government wanted to hear (although we won’t hear them say that)…and exactly what Putin and the Kremlin DIDN’T want to hear.
Very early days, but after the “bombshell” in the Oval Office, well done Prime Minister.
Bob Shepherd 