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Smiling Boris Johnson shakes hands with Donald Trump at Nato summit despite Tory election fears
BORIS Johnson shook hands with Donald Trump onstage at the Nato summit as he told leaders Britain's commitment to the alliance was "rock solid".
The PM smiled as he finally greeted the US President after distancing himself publicly over Tory fears Trump could blow up the election campaign.
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'ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL'
The president arrived on the lawn of the Grove Hotel in Watford on Marine One shortly after Candian PM Justin Trudeau and Dutch leader Mark Rutte walked past reporters.
Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel were later spotted at the 70th anniversary summit.
After greeting the 29 leaders at the historic 70th anniversary summit, Mr Johnson said: “The reason Nato is so successful, is that it provides peace and security for 29 countries, it’s very simple.
“It's safety in numbers.
“One for all, one for one - that’s the core of the Nato security guarantee, it works.”
Today’s historic summit comes after…
- Queen welcomed Trump and Nato leaders for royal reception at Buckingham Palace
- Macron and Trudeau were caught gossiping about Trump to Princess Anne and Boris
- Trump holds late night chat with Boris over drinks at No10 ahead of Nato summit
- Macron crushed Trump’s hand as he threatened to send ISIS fighters France’s way
TORY FEARS
Boris met with Mr Trump last night for prviate drinks at No10 after a royal reception with the Queen and other Nato leaders at Buckingham Palace.
Conservative campaign bosses are trying to keep the number of public appearances the PM makes with POTUS to an absolute minimum.
They want to stop the president from tearing up the rigidly controlled Tory election messaging with any explosive comments on the NHS or Brexit.
It's safety in numbers. One for all, one for one - that’s the core of the NATO security guarantee, it works.
Boris Johnson
Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage are both waiting in the wings to try to weaponise Mr Trump’s arrival to their own benefit.
At a press conference this afternoon Mr Johnson blasted accusations that he was laughing at Donald Trump with Emmanuel Macron and Justin Trudeau at Buckingham Palace.
The allegations come after the Canadian leader was caught out by a hot mic moment while allegedly poking fun at the US President over a “40 minute” press conference.
But the PM denied he was laughing at Mr Trump’s expense, adding: “That’s complete nonsense I don’t know where that’s come from.”
Mr Johnson was asked about the president more than 20 times by reporters but did not mention his name once.
Yesterday Mr Trump vowed to stay out of British politics only to add shortly after that he thought Boris would do a “great job” as PM.
The president tweeted this morning: "Enjoyed my meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night. Talked about numerous subjects including Nato and Trade."
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BORIS KEEPS HIS SHAKE FORMAL
BODY language expert Judi James reveals how Boris Johnson wanted to keep his handshake with Donald Trump formal rather than friendly.
Speaking exclusively to SunOnline, she said: "As they pose for their shake-shots Trump is turned in towards Boris and his hand is pulled into his own torso to create proximity, and he does seem to want to create a moment of conversation.
"Boris is half out of the ritual though, standing erect and extending his arm while facing the front rather than showing synchronised empathy and bonding.
"His thumb clamp on Trump’s hand suggests a rather firm shake, while his other hand is tucked away behind his back."
FROSTY RECEPTION
Mr Johnson’s effort to bring harmony to the alliance comes after Mr Trumpand Mr endured frosty relations yesterday.
The French premier called Nato “brain dead” – prompting Mr Trump to describe his comments as “very nasty” before the pair met on Tuesday at the US ambassador's residence in London.
Mr Macron's original comments were prompted by the Turkish offensive against the Kurds in northern Syria - regarded by most members as key allies in the fight against ISIS - following the US decision to withdraw troops from the region.
Mr Macron later acknowledged in a tweet that his statements had "triggered some reactions" but stood by his remarks.
Today’s meeting at a hotel in Hertfordshire is expected to consider new threats, including in the areas of cyber and space, after the alliance last month declared space one of its operational domains alongside air, land, sea and cyber.
Mr Johnson reminded the allies that their commitment to Nato has helped keep people across the globe safe since its inception in 1949.
PROTECTING THE WORLD
He said that the "doctrine of coming to one another's aid" was the "single most important explanation" for why the British people and hundreds of millions of others lived in peace and freedom.
"Everything our peoples hold dear - from liberty and democracy to their jobs, homes, schools and hospitals - would not be secure and could not flourish without the peace that Nato is designed to guarantee," the Tory boss added.
But the PM warned that peace "cannot be taken for granted" and said Nato members must "ensure our deeds match our words".
Mr Johnson also laid out the UK's own contribution to Nato's defence ranks and highlight the "emerging threats" faced by the alliance, such as cyber warfare.
Mr Johnson is preparing to say: "For the UK's part, we spend over 2% of GDP on defence.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
"We are making the biggest contribution of any European ally to Nato's readiness initiative by offering an armoured brigade, two fighter squadrons and six warships, including the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.
"As allies and friends, we must never shy away from discussing new realities, particularly Nato's response to emerging threats like hybrid warfare and disruptive technologies including space and cyber."
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Boris Johnson champions Nato and reminds allies that it is 'one for all and all for one'
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