As a political stuntman, the antics of British politician Ed Davey can fill in the highlights.
The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of England bounced from a giant crane to rally voters, eradicating sheep dung on Welsh farms in protest of farmers’ taxes and removing paddle boards to highlight the risk of causing pristine sewage on British waterways.
But now, with the tariff wars of U.S. President Donald Trump, Davey is trying to assemble British voters into a new cause: support for Canada.
During Wednesday’s latest political stunt, Davey burst out the Canadian flag at a Canadian-themed bar in central London and invited local media to join him on Canadian Poutine, Beaver Tails and Canadian beer menus.
“I want to make sure people know that the British stand with Canada,” Davey told CBC News during an impromptu event at the Maple Leaf Pub in Covent Garden.
“President Trump’s behavior is reckless, irresponsible, and treats Canada, which is one of its closest allies… This is a shocking way.”
Davey, 59, is known to lead the Liberal Party’s best election performance in nearly a century in last year’s general election, winning 72 seats and jumping the party to third place in parliament.
His unconventional, compelling stunts are seen as one of the keys to attracting voters to partisan campaigns.
“I think if President Trump gets rid of this behavior, whether it’s Canada or anyone else, frankly, it will hurt everyone in the world,” David said.
“I think we have to choose,” he said. “We have to fall behind Canada.”
In parliament, David repeatedly expressed his support for Canada, calling Trump a “playground bully.”
On Wednesday, Davey asked British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to fly immediately to Canada to unite with his major Commonwealth partners.
Starmer expressed opposition in his response, calling Canada a “significant ally” while highlighting Britain’s desire to negotiate an economic deal with Trump to avoid punitive trade measures.
Trump’s 25% tariff on all U.S. steel and aluminum imports, including the UK, kicked off on Wednesday. According to the BBC, the measure could affect about 5% of UK exports, making it more expensive for U.S. consumers.
Starmer said he is currently engaging in any retaliation, but the European Commission said on Wednesday it would impose $28 billion in anti-competitiveness on many of our goods.
“We are very passionate about working with our European colleagues, but we also want to work with our Commonwealth colleagues,” David said.
“And I think the numbers have power, and I think it conveys a very, very big signal.”
Justin Trudeau met with King Charles during his last overseas visit as prime minister to discuss what was called: “Sovietty.”
Although Charles did not speak publicly about the friction between Canada and the United States, British media reports indicate that the king is very worried.
In his most recent public appearance, Charles was seen wearing Canadian medals in military uniform. He also planted a Canadian maple tree on the land at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the federal environmental program.
King Charles on Wednesday awarded a sword of ritual to Gregory Peters, who was the black stick of the Senate in Canada, according to a press release from Buckingham Palace.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, marked Commonwealth Day at the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, was dressed in red and white.
Canadian High Commissioner Ralph Goodale told CBC News that he believes the performance in Canada was intentional and intended to show political support.
“There was no accident in the royal family,” he said.
Still, most of Canada’s support is basically symbolic.
Just like Starmer’s measurement answer to Davey’s question in the UK parliament, many foreign leaders have been careful not to offend or alienate the unpredictable U.S. president.
“Whether it is Trudeau, now Carney, the strong opposition to Trump, the Canadian government’s way of impressing me,” David said.
As for his first foray into Canada’s poutine, David quipped that the fries were crushed by gravy and cheese curds looked “super healthy”.
He joked, “Who doesn’t want it.”
