Senior British Conservatives have criticized former President Trump for allegedly jeopardizing global peace by siding with North Korea, China, and Belarus. Following Trump’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prominent figures like Lord Heseltine and Sir Iain Duncan Smith voiced their concerns over the formation of a dangerous axis that threatens stability. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, however, presented a more nuanced view, balancing criticism of Trump with reaffirmation of the US as an ally.
Senior members of the British Conservative Party have expressed their criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of jeopardizing global peace through his alignment with North Korea, China, and Belarus. This condemnation follows the Trump administration’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in contrast to the majority of UN member states who supported a resolution against it.
Lord Heseltine, a former deputy prime minister, described Trump’s actions as forming a potentially perilous “new axis” that may embolden autocracies rather than supporters of peace. He highlighted the historical reliance of the UK on American support during crises, stating, “We have relied on American support which enabled us to defeat the fascists in the 1940s… it has now thrown an incentive not to peacekeepers but to those who threaten the stability of the modern world.”
The resolution against Russia, proposed by Ukraine and backed by European nations, passed with substantial support despite the US alignment with totalitarian regimes. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith lamented the situation, asserting, “The ‘leader of the free world’ siding with totalitarian states guilty of murder, slave labour, war and genocide.”
Additionally, former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind characterized Trump’s stance as disgraceful but suggested there might still be hope as Trump invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House. He noted, “He might just pull it off. But only someone with Trump’s crazy temperament could/would use such chaotic methods.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch adopted a more conciliatory tone, asserting that the United States remains an ally and distinguishing her viewpoint from Trump’s previous remarks branding Zelensky a dictator. She mentioned the importance of America acting in its national interests, despite disagreements over voting on the UN resolution.
The response from senior Tories demonstrates a significant concern regarding Trump’s foreign policy decisions that align with authoritarian nations. With critiques from influential figures like Lord Heseltine and Sir Iain Duncan Smith, there is a visible apprehension about the potential implications for global security and the stability of international alliances. It remains to be seen how these tensions will evolve amidst ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine, Russia, and their supporters.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
