Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Image: GETTY)
Donald Trump’s election poses a major headache for both UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the European Union, Brexiteer Ben Habib has predicted.
Former MEP Mr Habib – until recently one of Reform UK’s co-leaders – highlighted the “panic” he claims has taken hold among European leaders and the Labour Party regarding a potential Trump administration.
Writing for GB News, businessman Mr Habib said: “If people want a reason to back Trump, they only need to see how alarmed the EU and Starmer are at his potential victory.”
Mr Habib contrasted Mr Trump’s policies and those favoured by the EU and Starmer.
For example, while the EU supports “open borders,” Trump’s administration would prioritise “strong border control.”, he pointed out.
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Ben Habib is a prominent Brexiteer and former co-leader of Reform UK (Image: Getty)
On climate issues, the former Reform leader criticised the EU’s “economically crippling” Net Zero policies, contrasting them with Trump’s push for “energy independence and economic growth.”
He also claimed Mr Trump’s focus on deregulation, tax cuts, and reduced government spending is a direct rebuke to the EU’s approach, which he called “regulations, taxes, and spending on steroids.”
According to Mr Habib, “Trump’s approach is likely to infuriate Brussels, which has relied on expansive regulations and spending.”
Mr Trump’s hardline stance on China and Iran was also likely to frustrate the EU, with Mr Habib claiming the bloc favoured maintaining economic ties with China and a more conciliatory approach toward Iran.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Mr Habib said Trump’s return to office could mean “China is put back in its box” and that “Iran will no longer get a free pass.”
Additionally the 78-year-old’s approach to NATO funding would likely demand higher contributions from European nations, a point which has previously caused tension between Trump and European leaders.
On social issues, Mr Habib noted Mr Trump’s opposition to “woke” and identity politics, an area where Mr Habib believes the EU and Sir Keir strongly diverge, saying: “Trump wants woke dead,”
Such a stance would doubtless anger those in Europe who have embraced identity politics, he continued.
Ben Habib also found time for a swipe at Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (Image: Getty)
Mr Habib asserted that Trump’s policies would put the US first and challenged Europe’s priorities by doing “exactly what the EU and Starmer loathe – put the United States’ interests first”.
Additionally, Mr Habib argued that Trump’s success in regaining Republican control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives would pave the way for a strong, unimpeded policy agenda.
He suggested: “If Trump wins both houses, the liberal global anti-nation state brigade will be in for a massive shock.”
With specific reference to the UK, Mr Habib said Mr Trump’s policies could have ripple effects across the UK.
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For example, if Mr Trump led by example, Mr Habib argued, the UK may follow suit, with a potential shift away from what he calls the “self-harming socialist orthodoxy” currently prevailing in Britain.
He explained: “The only way to cope with a supercharged America is to supercharge the UK. We’d have no choice but to put the UK first, and for once, that wouldn’t just be respectable – it would be essential.”
Finally, Mr Habib took a swipe at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whose feud with Mr Trump has been well-publicised, and who has previously said he would consider leaving the country if Mr Trump was re-elected.
He said: “If Khan keeps his promise to leave, we’d be rid of a truly wretched person.”
