“We have never seen anything like this” How Trump threatens the UK

The Lowdown interview with Steve Richards.

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Steve Richards is one of the great authorities on British political history. His latest book: Turning Points: Crisis and Change in Modern Britain, from 1945 to Truss, was published by Macmillan in 2023. I always find him worth reading because he can step back and see our troubles in a broader perspective – which is what we needed as we talked about how:

The US is becoming a crazy and hostile power. Where on earth does the UK go now that we have turned our back on our European allies?

The Tories and Farage are competing to see who can bow the lowest before Trump. What will these supposed patriots do when Trump threatens the UK’s economy and defences? Will they back the US rather than the UK?

Can a timid Labour government respond to the challenge of a crisis unprecedented in our lifetime?

Below are two long – and I hope not entirely unsympathetic reads – on why so many are attracted to the populist or radical right. They are for paying subscribers only, but you can upgrade for just £1.15 ($1.40) a week on the annual subscription. There is also a free trial on offer.

I hope the first helps explain the mood of fury on today’s right. It examines how patriots can become so disgusted by their own country they end up betraying it.

The second explains why I believe that Farage’s Reform has a chance of replacing the Conservatives as the main party on the right. The reason is simple: if you are a voter concerned about immigration the Tories have betrayed your hopes again and again.

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