For his Washington talks, Sir Keir Starmer confronted a question which is presently puzzling global leaders – and indeed the citizenry. How to handle Donald John Trump?

Sir Keir does not really do bluff amiability. His humour is faintly forced. But the Prime Minister can chalk up the White House visit as a success. Within limits.

There was the outline of a tariff-free trade deal, although that contains potential pitfalls, not least with regard to farm food standards. If there was no evident advance on the issue of Ukraine, there was little sign of retrenchment either.

The objective had been to build rapport with the resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. That much has been achieved if, that is, the sense of structured bonhomie lasts in the days ahead.

For President Trump remains decidedly malleable, even in his approach to fact. Asked whether he held to his view that the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, was a dictator, he replied: “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that. Next question.”

Viewed one way, this is standard bluster. But it is also part of a pattern where Team Trump believe that truth itself is flexible. That it can be shaped, that it has alternative interpretations. That it can be dismissed by howling “fake news”.

Still, let us be charitable. Let us accept that there was progress in these talks – or, at least, an absence of slippage.

The most fervent critics among you might have found the handshaking and shoulder gripping a little distasteful, even nauseating. Remember, you might say, President Trump’s personal history and the values he represents. The Scottish Greens, for example, have counselled that we should have nothing to do with Donald J.

While acknowledging the........

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