It is indeed unfortunate how the British PM and the King have responded but it is another wake up call to a country that wants to be treated like other countries owe us a perpetual debt of gratitude. It’s time to act like grownups and stop seeking the admiration/attention of other nations who have more important things to worry about. We’ll never be a real country until we start to act like one. If we don’t start acting like one soon there’s a good chance we’ll be reduced to a single star on someone else’s flag.
Hi Glenn, I understand your frustration and possible anger with Starmer . As a Brit living in London and Labour Party member I too was annoyed by Starmers response but it would be a definite mistake to interpret this as a rejection of Canada . I would also add it would be wrong to lay any blame at the Kings door either and I’m not particularly a keen royalist either !
Firstly Starmer is a clunky politician he’s new to the game and is not nimble or agile in this art . However he should have seen this question coming which made it all the more frustrating to see his comment . I do not believe for one second that he doesn’t care about Canada or would turn his back on it or support Trumps ridiculous comments about a 51st state . That being said Starmer should have grown a pair and responded in a more explicit manner to that question . Remember Starmer’s one mission on that trip was to give Ukraine and Europe space and time to step up rearmament hence Starmer’s awkwardness and fawning over Trump and the invitation for a state visit from the King . That all blew up the next day with Trumps and Vances ambushing of Zelensky and now what Starmer feared stopping all military aid .
More Ukrainian troops more Ukrainian civilians will die and be maimed now because of Trump suspending military aid . Putin will be further be emboldened and the Balkan states will be thinking are they next whilst Trump , Vance and MAGA supporters sleep in security and comfort in their beds .
It would be nice if Trump took his boot off Zelensky’s throat and put it on Putins . But we know he won’t . He doesn’t want Zelensky to negotiate he wants him to beg . That is what Starmer was trying to avoid . 🇺🇦🇨🇦🇬🇧
Hi Danny, thank you for your response. I may not have been clear enough in my first sentence but my frustration actually is not with PM Starmer. While it may have been mildly annoying that the British PM dodged a direct question, the intention of his US visit was to look out for the interests of his own country and as you correctly state, the situation in Ukraine. My frustration is with Canada. We are supposed to be a sovereign country and shouldn’t be expecting other countries to “look out for us”. As far as King Charles goes, he is nowhere near as popular in Canada as his mother the Queen was. Not sure if his influence or lack thereof makes much difference in this country but if there is any “criticism” to hand out it would be more on the King than on the British PM in my opinion.
Hopefully, like all the other issues we are reconsidering right now in Canada, we will also reconsider whether it's time to end our relationship with the British monarchy. As a start, take his picture off our money!
I don’t disagree Robin. I stand by the credo that things are easily destroyed and not easily created. But if Charles can’t be bothered to visit Canada, why should we be bothered to venerate him?
Its a no-brainer for Starmer to offer DT a state visit & meet n' greet with Chuck. DT is a fool for royalty; he's even self-identified as king. He loves all things British, so its a natural bargaining chip for Starmer to use to push away DT's tariff threats.
I know you're Brit born. But that population is dwarfed by the number that are Indian-born and other nationalities. We can claim no heritage ties. They have no value in today's society. You're the original colonists and we know how out of favour that is.
The only question that matters today is "what have you done for me lately?"
I agree about King Charles, he’s not half the man his mother was. But you’re way too kind to Starmer: he’s way worse a pratt than you made him out to be.
Even the “state visit” isn’t the King’s to decide. It’s Starmer’s.
We live in a constitutional monarchy. The sitting government gets to decide the national position, not the monarch. The government asks the King to issue statements. He does *not* have the ability to issue one on his own. That includes statements on behalf of Canada.
He’s not going to come to Canada *unless we invite him*.
I have dual Canadian-uk citizenship and am seriously considering sending back my British passport. I was not much a fan of the monarchy, but now a firm “republican” in the truest sense of the word.
Recently we were informed our illustrious Government needs to ask The Monarchy and the British Parliament for advise before they can comment according to the rules of Protocol. I agree however that Charles is no way near the Monarch his Mother was.
It's a great article. I'm British and lived in southern Ontario when my family was younger. I genuinely don't think Britain will betray Canada. I know it doesn't look that way. There's a diplomatic dance taking place in which I don't think anyone knows the steps. We are kin, from the moment the loyalists marched north (probably before) after American independence.
Excellent article. It is so sad to see so many ”friends” who are gutless. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” used to be something which people acted on. Guess many of our allies are only fairweather friends
I understand that the King must get the ok from the head of state of the commonwealth country he is speaking about. Trudeau visited the King yesterday and hopefully got the ok to speak about Canada. Apparently this is the protocol. Hopefully we will hear something supportive soon from the King.
There are some broad sentiments I would agree with what you said but RIP UK’s special relationship with Canada ? No . As a Brit living in London , a European , an arch remainer anti Brexit , Labour Party member and someone who despises Trump and Putin I personally found it nauseating when Starmer gave that invitation to Trump . It was another fawning moment , Starmer looked uncomfortable and awkward . But Starmer is a ruthless pragmatist and needs to keep Trump close for as long as possible , at least that’s his interpretation of the current situation . I have huge admiration for the Canadian people’s response to Trump . I love it , but Starmer knows he’s dealing with a capricious man child which was self evident from Fridays events . This isn’t abandonment of Canada far from it . It’s cold hearted calculations from a man who deals in certainty as previous head of the department of Public Prosecutions . Whether you agree with it or not is not the point it’s about keeping Trump close so you can engage with him , try and influence him , manipulate even however unlikely that might be . But he has to try . Trump has surrounded himself with boot kickers in his inner circle not well rounded informed and intelligent people . He’s a gangster so I’m guessing Starmers play is to work his way in , to offset , to disrupt to unsteady even Trumps mindset . 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇺🇦
While Starmer is weak and likely in way over his head, our current government has done little to nothing to live up to its international obligations. As the saying goes, actions (lack thereof) speak louder than words. Unfortunately, the words most often used by Trudeau and his ministers were preachy, if nothing else, thus compounding the effect of our failure to fulfill our responsibilities. Sad political action on both sides of the Atlantic.
I have limited access to stock photos and the only war graves pic was the one featured. I may have to invest in a paid picture feed. But that will only happen when subscribers start paying to read!
Indeed what an awful betrayal. On the other hand Canada and the current PM JT has done nothing to invite the King here with the pretext that he is sick and cannot travel. Starmer is desperate to sign trade deals because the economy in the UK is on the rocks. Will Canada wake up? That is the question.
I believe also the Marc Carney had quite a bit to do with the economic state of the Uk. I hope that he is not prime minister for long or at all.
This does feel like a betrayal, however, you’re right that Trudeau hasn’t invited the King over , he is too focused on saving his skin then actually doing things to help our country. Lets hope this wakes Canadians up, and that another Government can give other countries hope that Canada will stop hoarding resources and actually help when they are asked ( reference to Germany, India and Japan all asking for LNG)
Canada has a lot to offer , we just need people at the top to start making some tough decisions,
It’s not a betrayal . It’s cold hearted pragmatism . Europe is dealing with the very real possibility of being attacked by Russia again in several years maybe sooner . I support Canada in giving Trump the middle finger but Starmer sees it differently . Do I like it ? No . Do I agree with it ? I’m not sure . But I do understand it . Take emotion out of this that’s what is needed . When Trump rides in that gold carriage down Pall Mall I’ll be waving a Ukrainian and Canadian flag 🇨🇦
This might be harsh but bitter truth is what we need right now. Ask Britian about which country they have a "special relationship" with, the answer is and was always United States. Ask the US the same question, it changes based on which leader is in DC. The Western alliance was always a Hub and Spoke relationship. The Hub is now pulling on the spokes holding on to a weak frame. We never invested in that special relationship and UK also let it's own capabilities atrophy.
We desperately need an election and new Govt. And we need new thinking in Ottawa, it's a new world. No one in Ottawa has the smarts or humility to deal with Rancourous America. The experts have failed us with Imaginary relations based on mutual values. Commentariat class should have prepared us about the state of UK instead kept on clinging on to the hopes of British or European pushback. None of this was unexpected for those who watched the diplomatic space.
Both the UK's and Europe's first move after Vance's bombshell speech at Munich Security Conference was flying to New Delhi to make deals. Von De Leyen is in New Delhi and not in Ottawa, UK Def and Trade Sec has not even bothered making trip across the Atlantic. Aussie released their Aussie India Engagement roadmap.
That should have been indicator that we're going to be alone. No help is coming.
It is indeed unfortunate how the British PM and the King have responded but it is another wake up call to a country that wants to be treated like other countries owe us a perpetual debt of gratitude. It’s time to act like grownups and stop seeking the admiration/attention of other nations who have more important things to worry about. We’ll never be a real country until we start to act like one. If we don’t start acting like one soon there’s a good chance we’ll be reduced to a single star on someone else’s flag.
Hi Glenn, I understand your frustration and possible anger with Starmer . As a Brit living in London and Labour Party member I too was annoyed by Starmers response but it would be a definite mistake to interpret this as a rejection of Canada . I would also add it would be wrong to lay any blame at the Kings door either and I’m not particularly a keen royalist either !
Firstly Starmer is a clunky politician he’s new to the game and is not nimble or agile in this art . However he should have seen this question coming which made it all the more frustrating to see his comment . I do not believe for one second that he doesn’t care about Canada or would turn his back on it or support Trumps ridiculous comments about a 51st state . That being said Starmer should have grown a pair and responded in a more explicit manner to that question . Remember Starmer’s one mission on that trip was to give Ukraine and Europe space and time to step up rearmament hence Starmer’s awkwardness and fawning over Trump and the invitation for a state visit from the King . That all blew up the next day with Trumps and Vances ambushing of Zelensky and now what Starmer feared stopping all military aid .
More Ukrainian troops more Ukrainian civilians will die and be maimed now because of Trump suspending military aid . Putin will be further be emboldened and the Balkan states will be thinking are they next whilst Trump , Vance and MAGA supporters sleep in security and comfort in their beds .
It would be nice if Trump took his boot off Zelensky’s throat and put it on Putins . But we know he won’t . He doesn’t want Zelensky to negotiate he wants him to beg . That is what Starmer was trying to avoid . 🇺🇦🇨🇦🇬🇧
Hi Danny, thank you for your response. I may not have been clear enough in my first sentence but my frustration actually is not with PM Starmer. While it may have been mildly annoying that the British PM dodged a direct question, the intention of his US visit was to look out for the interests of his own country and as you correctly state, the situation in Ukraine. My frustration is with Canada. We are supposed to be a sovereign country and shouldn’t be expecting other countries to “look out for us”. As far as King Charles goes, he is nowhere near as popular in Canada as his mother the Queen was. Not sure if his influence or lack thereof makes much difference in this country but if there is any “criticism” to hand out it would be more on the King than on the British PM in my opinion.
I have been a 'monarchist' most of my life. That just ended yesterday.
Hopefully, like all the other issues we are reconsidering right now in Canada, we will also reconsider whether it's time to end our relationship with the British monarchy. As a start, take his picture off our money!
I don’t disagree Robin. I stand by the credo that things are easily destroyed and not easily created. But if Charles can’t be bothered to visit Canada, why should we be bothered to venerate him?
Its a no-brainer for Starmer to offer DT a state visit & meet n' greet with Chuck. DT is a fool for royalty; he's even self-identified as king. He loves all things British, so its a natural bargaining chip for Starmer to use to push away DT's tariff threats.
I know you're Brit born. But that population is dwarfed by the number that are Indian-born and other nationalities. We can claim no heritage ties. They have no value in today's society. You're the original colonists and we know how out of favour that is.
The only question that matters today is "what have you done for me lately?"
I agree about King Charles, he’s not half the man his mother was. But you’re way too kind to Starmer: he’s way worse a pratt than you made him out to be.
It’s not harrumphing. It’s the way things work.
Even the “state visit” isn’t the King’s to decide. It’s Starmer’s.
We live in a constitutional monarchy. The sitting government gets to decide the national position, not the monarch. The government asks the King to issue statements. He does *not* have the ability to issue one on his own. That includes statements on behalf of Canada.
He’s not going to come to Canada *unless we invite him*.
How hard is this?
This is the same as blaming Gretzky for our national issues.
Imagine how Starmer would act with Putin. 🇨🇦 🇮🇱 🇺🇦
Ridiculous assumption
I have dual Canadian-uk citizenship and am seriously considering sending back my British passport. I was not much a fan of the monarchy, but now a firm “republican” in the truest sense of the word.
Recently we were informed our illustrious Government needs to ask The Monarchy and the British Parliament for advise before they can comment according to the rules of Protocol. I agree however that Charles is no way near the Monarch his Mother was.
It's a great article. I'm British and lived in southern Ontario when my family was younger. I genuinely don't think Britain will betray Canada. I know it doesn't look that way. There's a diplomatic dance taking place in which I don't think anyone knows the steps. We are kin, from the moment the loyalists marched north (probably before) after American independence.
Excellent article. It is so sad to see so many ”friends” who are gutless. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” used to be something which people acted on. Guess many of our allies are only fairweather friends
I understand that the King must get the ok from the head of state of the commonwealth country he is speaking about. Trudeau visited the King yesterday and hopefully got the ok to speak about Canada. Apparently this is the protocol. Hopefully we will hear something supportive soon from the King.
There are some broad sentiments I would agree with what you said but RIP UK’s special relationship with Canada ? No . As a Brit living in London , a European , an arch remainer anti Brexit , Labour Party member and someone who despises Trump and Putin I personally found it nauseating when Starmer gave that invitation to Trump . It was another fawning moment , Starmer looked uncomfortable and awkward . But Starmer is a ruthless pragmatist and needs to keep Trump close for as long as possible , at least that’s his interpretation of the current situation . I have huge admiration for the Canadian people’s response to Trump . I love it , but Starmer knows he’s dealing with a capricious man child which was self evident from Fridays events . This isn’t abandonment of Canada far from it . It’s cold hearted calculations from a man who deals in certainty as previous head of the department of Public Prosecutions . Whether you agree with it or not is not the point it’s about keeping Trump close so you can engage with him , try and influence him , manipulate even however unlikely that might be . But he has to try . Trump has surrounded himself with boot kickers in his inner circle not well rounded informed and intelligent people . He’s a gangster so I’m guessing Starmers play is to work his way in , to offset , to disrupt to unsteady even Trumps mindset . 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇺🇦
While Starmer is weak and likely in way over his head, our current government has done little to nothing to live up to its international obligations. As the saying goes, actions (lack thereof) speak louder than words. Unfortunately, the words most often used by Trudeau and his ministers were preachy, if nothing else, thus compounding the effect of our failure to fulfill our responsibilities. Sad political action on both sides of the Atlantic.
In addition, perhaps you would like to edit your article to remove the photo of an American war cemetery and use one like this. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D10153850906070663%26id%3D177183000662%26set%3Da.10153850905490663&psig=AOvVaw3ZN8z3LIXfm0t55zJzpkjR&ust=1740859868085000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCLDlksmW54sDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ
I have limited access to stock photos and the only war graves pic was the one featured. I may have to invest in a paid picture feed. But that will only happen when subscribers start paying to read!
The link doesn’t work for those of us who do not (will not) subscribe to Meta (Facebook)
It is a Canadian CWG cemetery
Indeed what an awful betrayal. On the other hand Canada and the current PM JT has done nothing to invite the King here with the pretext that he is sick and cannot travel. Starmer is desperate to sign trade deals because the economy in the UK is on the rocks. Will Canada wake up? That is the question.
I believe also the Marc Carney had quite a bit to do with the economic state of the Uk. I hope that he is not prime minister for long or at all.
This does feel like a betrayal, however, you’re right that Trudeau hasn’t invited the King over , he is too focused on saving his skin then actually doing things to help our country. Lets hope this wakes Canadians up, and that another Government can give other countries hope that Canada will stop hoarding resources and actually help when they are asked ( reference to Germany, India and Japan all asking for LNG)
Canada has a lot to offer , we just need people at the top to start making some tough decisions,
It’s not a betrayal . It’s cold hearted pragmatism . Europe is dealing with the very real possibility of being attacked by Russia again in several years maybe sooner . I support Canada in giving Trump the middle finger but Starmer sees it differently . Do I like it ? No . Do I agree with it ? I’m not sure . But I do understand it . Take emotion out of this that’s what is needed . When Trump rides in that gold carriage down Pall Mall I’ll be waving a Ukrainian and Canadian flag 🇨🇦
This might be harsh but bitter truth is what we need right now. Ask Britian about which country they have a "special relationship" with, the answer is and was always United States. Ask the US the same question, it changes based on which leader is in DC. The Western alliance was always a Hub and Spoke relationship. The Hub is now pulling on the spokes holding on to a weak frame. We never invested in that special relationship and UK also let it's own capabilities atrophy.
We desperately need an election and new Govt. And we need new thinking in Ottawa, it's a new world. No one in Ottawa has the smarts or humility to deal with Rancourous America. The experts have failed us with Imaginary relations based on mutual values. Commentariat class should have prepared us about the state of UK instead kept on clinging on to the hopes of British or European pushback. None of this was unexpected for those who watched the diplomatic space.
Both the UK's and Europe's first move after Vance's bombshell speech at Munich Security Conference was flying to New Delhi to make deals. Von De Leyen is in New Delhi and not in Ottawa, UK Def and Trade Sec has not even bothered making trip across the Atlantic. Aussie released their Aussie India Engagement roadmap.
That should have been indicator that we're going to be alone. No help is coming.