In a bold diplomatic proposal, Ed Davey, the leader of the UK's Liberal Democrats, suggested that the United Kingdom should only offer former U.S. President Donald Trump a coveted state visit if he agrees to a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Davey advocated for an openly transactional approach to the US-UK relationship, stressing that while Trump’s leadership poses potential global threats, completely ignoring him is not an option.

During a speech emphasizing international relations in the post-Brexit era, Davey underscored the importance of leveraging the benefits of a state visit to push for international security objectives.

'For the next four years, the UK cannot depend on the presence of the United States to be a reliable partner on security, defence, or the economy,' warned Davey, highlighting what he perceives as the risks associated with a Trump administration.

Davey argued that Trump’s transactional nature could be used to secure critical diplomatic outcomes beneficial to Europe and the UK, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

He suggested that Trump could be enticed with the allure of a Buckingham Palace banquet or royal pageantry, contingent upon his commitment to attend a UK-led summit aimed at securing support for Ukraine.

The proposed summit with Zelenskyy and other European leaders would aim to solidify future plans for Ukraine, including the controversial proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian armament.

Davey also called for the UK to negotiate a new customs union agreement with the European Union as part of this strategy, highlighting a desire to mitigate the anticipated impacts of a potential second Trump presidency.

He criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer's approach to Europe, describing it as overly cautious.

In addition to the call for a customs union, Davey pushed for immediate discussions regarding a reciprocal youth mobility arrangement with EU countries.

This proposal aligns with a Liberal Democrat strategy to re-engage with Europe more robustly post-Brexit, a contrast to what many voters perceive as Labour's restrained Brexit policies.

Meanwhile, the UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds voiced concerns over the potential economic ramifications that Trump’s campaign promises, such as widespread tariffs, could have on the UK. 'The exposure, the danger to the UK is actually greater than even some comparable countries,' Reynolds noted in an interview with Sky News, reflecting the broader anxieties about trade vulnerabilities amid global economic uncertainties.