Even in the darkest, most pessimistic corners of Downing Street, one can imagine a few beaming smiles breaking out. The two-day state visit afforded to US President Donald Trump last week passed off seemingly without a glitch. The president and first lady beamed and gleamed throughout, tickled by the pageantry, the parades and the royal and political flattery directed their way.

In the week the UK hosted Donald Trump for a second state visit, the country also rolled out the red carpet for US tech firms.

For Keir Starmer, the US president’s state visit was a chance for some positive headlines. And it may have done just that – at least for now.

Even in the darkest, most pessimistic corners of Downing Street, one can imagine a few beaming smiles breaking out. The two-day state visit afforded to US President Donald Trump…