Conservative MP urges Starmer to address Trump’s ‘childish nonsense’ over Canada

A Conservative MP and former minister has urged Keir Starmer to call out Donald Trump’s “childish nonsense” when the two meet in Washington DC on Thursday.

Simon Hoare said that when the PM meets the US president, whom he referred to as the “former leader of the free world”, he does so “with the hopes and prayers of this House and the country.”

The Tory MP for North Dorset added: “Whilst Ukraine will clearly dominate, will the prime minister undertake to raise with president Trump that Canada is a valued, respected and much-loved member of both NATO and our Commonwealth?

“This childish nonsense of a 51st State should be called out by the prime minister for what it is.”

Starmer responded: “The UK and Canada are close allies and have been for a very long time, with a partnership based on a shared history and a shared set of values and a determination to be an active force for good in the world.

“We work closely with them on issues of the Commonwealth on NATO, and of course Five Eyes intelligence-sharing. And we will work to strengthen that relationship.”

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