Our shared language, history and culture ensures a natural affinity between Britain and America. However, our government must seriously consider its approach to Trump. Theresa May has said we will remain “strong and close partners”. As home secretary, she criticised Trump’s “divisive” policies and rhetoric. She is right to commit to continuing good relations but must not give way to the more poisonous elements of Trump’s leadership as she has to the far right of Britain’s political spectrum. If Trump wants to pursue protectionist policies, there is little we can do. If he wishes to complete trade deals with us after Brexit then it is in the interests of both our nations that these be signed. However, discriminatory rhetoric and policies such as a ban on Muslims entering the US must be condemned without delay, in the way that Sadiq Khan rose to the challenge.
We must remain close, but Americans’ poor decision has demoted their moral standing. Our two countries now stand shoulder to shoulder after Trump’s victory and the referendum result. The liberals from both nations must cooperate and the venomous prejudices of extremists must be quelled. We have both sunk low; now we must improve together.
Gabriel Osborne
Bristol
• In a world that has overnight become much less predictable and much more threatening, the primary responsibility of the state remains to ensure the security of its citizens. Brexit supposed that a US-led Anglosphere could maintain security of every kind – defence, of course, but also a sustainable environment, and the international rule of law. The prospect of an unstable, inward-looking and xenophobic America makes that now quite implausible. We must hope that America’s fine people and robust institutions temper Trump’s tantrums, but we may expect a decade or more of US isolation and dysfunction. Brexit has always been a risky proposal, but last night the risks went off the graph. In a dangerous, uncertain world we must value and develop the partnerships and friendships we already have in our European neighbourhood. Trump’s victory demands that we rethink Brexit.
Chris Edwards
Winchester
• I think the US election, like the Brexit vote, confirms what we all know: substantial parts of our societies have been all but abandoned by our politicians. The Tories are more concerned with balancing the books and cutting budgets than dealing with the real world where billionaire business owners can treat their workers as badly as they like with complete impunity. And Jeremy Corbyn, the only politician calling for real change, is treated like a joke, even by a large part of his own party, while the media simply ignore him. My worry is what happens in a few years’ time when people see they are no better off as the US and British economies nosedive and things turn even nastier.
Where is San Serriffe, can you remind us?
David Reed
London
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