Theresa May should use Brexit to forge even tighter links with Donald Trump and the US and Britain should not indulge in an ‘orgy of complaint’ over his victory, says IDS
Ex-Tory leader said the UK is uniquely placed to understand Mr Trump's anti-establishment supporters on immigration
BRITAIN should not indulge in an "orgy of complaint" over Donald Trump's victory but instead engage with the president-elect, Iain Duncan Smith has said.
The former Tory leader said Theresa May can use his shock victory over Hillary Clinton to create an even tighter "special relationship".
He said the UK is uniquely placed after Brexit to understand the concerns of Mr Trump's anti-establishment supporters on issues like immigration.
The ex-Cabinet minister criticised "lame duck" president Barack Obama for treating Britain no differently to other European powers, and said his exit from office provides new opportunities.
Mr Trump will need allies as he forges a new role for America in the world, and our Prime Minister should take advantage of that, he said in an article for .
Mr Duncan Smith stressed that one of her priorities should be keeping the US in Nato by persuading other countries in the alliance to contribute more in defence spending.
He said: "In the UK, we have a choice. We can, like so many others, indulge ourselves in an orgy of complaint about the result - we have already seen that kind of behaviour over the Brexit result.
“Or we can choose to engage with the new administration in a positive way."
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He went on: "I am old enough to recall the way that the special relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan ended the Cold War and brought prosperity to countless people around the globe.
"Whilst there are of course great differences between May and Trump personally, the need for a strong America and a strong UK working together is as vital today as it has ever been.
"The wind of change is blowing through more than just the USA and the UK. Yet I am certain of this: when our two nations are together the world is a safer place."
Mrs May yesterday welcomed Mr Trump’s election, and said she was “looking forward” to working with the Republican to make Britain and America’s special relationship stronger than ever.
Government sources last night claimed Mrs May was keen to meet Mr Trump for face-to-face talks at the “earliest opportunity”.
In a short statement, the PM said: “Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
“We are and will remain strong and closer partners on trade, security and defence.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.”
Number 10 said she had also written to the real estate mogul to congratulate him personally.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Chancellor Philip Hammond also welcomed Mr Trump – who lent his support to Brexit campaigners earlier this Spring.
Mr Johnson said he said “much looking forward” to working with a man he ridiculed last year, when saying parts of New York were no-go zones as he might bump into him.
But last night there were clashes between protesters and police outside the US Embassy in London over Mr Trump's election