As a political stuntman, the antics of British politician Ed Davey might fill a spotlight reel.
The chief of the U.Okay.’s Liberal Democrats has bungee-jumped off a large crane to rally voters, shovelled sheep manure on a Welsh farm to protest tax hikes for farmers and tumbled off a paddle board to underscore the chance of uncooked sewage in British waterways.
However now, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff battle in full flight, Davey is making an attempt to rally British voters to a brand new trigger: supporting Canada.
For his newest political stunt, on Wednesday, Davey burst via a Canada flag at a Canadian-themed pub in central London and invited native media to dine with him on a menu of Canadian poutine, Beaver Tails and Canadian beer.
“I wish to guarantee that folks know that British folks stand with Canada,” Davey informed CBC Information on the impromptu occasion on the Maple Leaf pub in Covent Backyard.
“President Trump is behaving recklessly, irresponsibly and to deal with Canada, considered one of its closest allies … this manner is past appalling.”
Davey, 59, led the Lib Dems, as they’re identified, to their greatest electoral displaying in nearly a century in final 12 months’s election, successful 72 seats and vaulting the celebration right into a strong third place in Parliament.
His unconventional, attention-getting stunts have been seen as one of many keys to getting voters to have interaction with the celebration’s marketing campaign.
“I feel if President Trump will get away with such a behaviour, whether or not it is Canada or anybody else, frankly, it will hurt everyone on the planet,” mentioned Davey as he dug right into a plate of poutine.
“I feel we’ve got to decide on,” he mentioned. “We now have to be behind Canada.”
In Parliament, Davey has repeatedly voiced help for Canada, referring to Trump as a “playground bully.”
On Wednesday, Davey demanded British Prime Minister Keir Starmer instantly fly to Canada to face in solidarity with its key Commonwealth companion.
In his response, Starmer demurred, calling Canada “an essential ally” while emphasizing Britain’s want to barter an financial cope with Trump that avoids punitive commerce measures.
Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on all U.S. metal and aluminum imports — together with from Britain — kicked in on Wednesday. The measure might probably have an effect on roughly 5 per cent of British exports, making them costlier for U.S. customers, in keeping with the BBC.
Whereas Starmer says he’s holding off on any retaliation for the second, the European Fee on Wednesday mentioned it might impose counter-tariffs price $28 billion US on many items.
“We’re very eager to work with our European colleagues, however we’re as eager to work with our Commonwealth colleagues, too,” mentioned Davey.
“And I feel there’s power in numbers and I feel it sends a really, very massive signal.”
On his final abroad go to as prime minister, Justin Trudeau met with King Charles to debate what was termed: problems with “sovereignty.”
Whereas Charles has not spoken publicly in regards to the friction between Canada and the U.S., British media experiences have prompt the King may be very involved.
In considered one of his latest public appearances, Charles was seen carrying his Canadian medals on his navy uniform; he additionally planted a Canadian Maple Tree on the grounds of Buckingham Palace to have a good time Commonwealth environmental initiatives.
On Wednesday, King Charles bestowed a ceremonial sword upon Gregory Peters, Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, in keeping with a information launch from Buckingham Palace.
And on the ceremony at Westminster Abbey marking Commonwealth Day on Monday, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, was wearing purple and white.
Canada’s Excessive Commissioner to Britain Ralph Goodale informed CBC Information he believes the reveals of Canadiana have been intentional and geared toward displaying political help.
“Nothing occurs accidentally with the royal household,” he mentioned.
Nonetheless, a lot of the help coming Canada’s approach has largely been symbolic.
As with Starmer’s measured reply in Britain’s parliament to Davey’s query, many overseas leaders have been cautious to not offend or alienate the unpredictable U.S. president.
“I have been actually impressed about the way in which the Canadian governments, whether or not it is Trudeau, and now Carney, have been robust in opposition to Trump,” mentioned Davey.
As for his first foray into Canadian poutine, Davey quipped that the fries smothered with gravy and cheese curds regarded “tremendous wholesome.”
“Who would not need it,” he joked.
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