Rachel Reeves will meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday as she pursues a trade deal which will prevent Donald Trump’s tariffs devastating British car manufacturing. Keeping the American president sweet has been among Britain’s foremost foreign policy objectives. This is why Sir Keir Starmer handed him an invitation from King Charles for an exceptional second state visit when the two met at the White House.

This is not sycophancy but realpolitik. Winning and keeping the respect of Trump is a strategic imperative when his administration is intent on reshaping global trade and ending the war in Ukraine.

If the Prime Minister and Ms Reeves can get a decent trade deal nailed down in the coming weeks there will be celebrations in Whitehall and deep relief among British exporters. But – like so many people before him – Sir Keir will be the target of Trump’s fury if the president doubts his loyalty.

The PM has reached a perilous moment in his diplomatic tightrope walk. The White House’s plan for Ukraine would “freeze the territorial lines” – essentially allowing Russia to hold onto the land it has seized.

This would allow Vladimir Putin to claim a victory and heighten fears among Russia’s neighbours that they will be next on the Kremlin’s annexation hit list. Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposals and will urge his allies to stand with him.

Britain has been at the forefront of the mission to defend Ukraine since the invasion. Sir Keir knows that he cannot be seen to be complicit in the appeasement of a Russian dictator.Very soon, the PM may have to decide whether he will risk the ire of Trump – with all the consequences that could have for trade and the future of Nato – or stand with Zelensky in his nation’s fight for survival against its giant foe.

World leaders will press their case with the US president when they gather in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral. The most fitting tribute to a spiritual leader who prized both peace and justice would be a new commitment to deliver both.