But the get-together will also highlight the perilous decisions facing Johnson as he seeks closer relations
with the US to make up for Britain’s diminished future role in Europe. On issues ranging from sanctions
against Iran to the Paris agreement on climate change and the readmission of Russia to an enlarged G8,
London is currently at odds with Washington. Any move towards Trump would risk antagonising the UK’s
allies in Europe. But any defiance of the notoriously thin-skinned president could put hopes of an all-
important trade deal at risk.
And it is far from clear whether on other issues – ranging from biodiversity to gender equality to the
defence of democracy – that Johnson hopes to raise, leaders from either the US, Europe or the rest of the
world will be ready to listen to what he has to say.
Biarritz may be the moment when the new prime minister is forced to confront some of the harsh realities
of Brexit. As a leading member of the EU, the UK has automatically had a voice on the world stage and an
influence way beyond its shores.
As a former member desperately in need of new trade deals, it will find itself awkwardly balanced between
larger powers with little inclination to take its opinions into account.
Yours,
Andrew Woodcock
Political editor