The balance of global power is shifting fast, but Britain is stuck in the same old Brexit rut | Rafael Behr
The article discusses Britain's stagnant position in global politics following Brexit, particularly in light of recent international events. It highlights the contrast between domestic political crises and significant foreign affairs, such as the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The author argues that without a reevaluation of Brexit's impact, Britain risks diminishing its role on the world stage.
- ▪The Labour party is facing internal turmoil while significant international meetings occur, such as the Trump-Xi summit.
- ▪Starmer's decision to keep British forces out of the US-Israeli conflict is seen as a mark of good judgment, despite not gaining public credit.
- ▪The economic repercussions of global conflicts, like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affect British households and inflation.
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A TV repair shop in Taiwan, with screens broadcasting the Beijing meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, 14 May 2026. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPAView image in fullscreenA TV repair shop in Taiwan, with screens broadcasting the Beijing meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, 14 May 2026. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPAOpinionLabourThe balance of global power is shifting fast, but Britain is stuck in the same old Brexit rutRafael BehrWithout a reckoning about the epic strategic error of leaving the EU, there is no serious debate about the country’s future place in the worldWed 20 May 2026 01.00 EDTShareWhile the Labour party was in meltdown last week, Donald Trump was visiting China.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — Politics.
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