25th January 2025, Telegraph
Trump’s triumph offers a new blueprint for Britain
We must show the courage to say what everyone knows: that our nation is worth preserving, protecting and celebrating
Sitting mere feet from the President at his victory rally on the eve of the inauguration in Washington DC, it was impossible not to be swept up in the unbridled optimism that filled the room. This was no ordinary political gathering – it was an electrifying celebration of triumph against the odds. The energy was palpable, the air thick with hope and determination. People had travelled from every corner of America and beyond, braving sub-zero temperatures to witness history in the making. Judy, a retiree from Raleigh, North Carolina, clasped my hand and said, her voice cracking, “My prayers have been answered.”
The event was a heady cocktail of showbiz, patriotism, faith and raw political momentum. Donald Trump, his characteristic bravado undimmed, danced to the YMCA while a mix of MMA fighters, Hollywood stars and Bible-quoting preachers warmed up the audience. Could Britain ever produce such a spectacle – a festival of democracy so unabashedly larger-than-life? It’s hard to say. But one thing is clear: there’s much for the Conservatives to learn from this momentous American victory. The real question is whether we’re ready to learn it.
First, Trump’s politics are simple, direct and unflinchingly geared toward the crises Americans feel most acutely. His message, free of the torturous contortions of elite politics, resonates with ordinary people. It is rooted in a conviction that the government should serve the people – people like Judy. From the start, Trump has shown a willingness to dismantle the status quo. Whether declaring a national emergency at the southern border or ending asylum pathways abused by cartels, he has taken bold action. His refusal to bow to the fashionable orthodoxies of international reputation or Davos scorn shows his focus is firmly on Americans, not the approval of global elites.
Imagine if Britain’s Conservatives displayed the same grit. Instead, too often we’ve tiptoed around controversy, appeased woke lobby groups and allowed the boats to keep coming. We’ve been hamstrung by the fear of being seen as “uncouth” or, worse, unkind. But there is no kindness in inaction, no virtue in allowing decline. It’s time to muster the courage to act decisively: leave the European Court of Human Rights, repeal the Equality Act and legislate against judicial overreach that undermines the will of the people.
Second, Trump’s boldness is matched by his focus on the issues that matter most. Securing borders. Lowering inflation. Rebuilding a merit-based society. Achieving energy independence. Restoring peace through strength. These are not slogans – they’re imperatives. And they resonate because they address the real struggles of real people.
Here in Britain, our priorities have often been misplaced. We’ve spent years fixated on technocratic tweaks and esoteric policy debates while ignoring the issues that animate the public. We must become the party of lower immigration – not just for economic reasons, but for cultural and social cohesion. We need to champion lower taxes and less regulation, just as Trump has, liberating enterprise and empowering families. Emulating the DOGE mission would not be a bad place to start. And let’s be frank: it’s time to break with the dogmas of the green lobby. Yes, climate change matters, but so do household budgets and energy security. We must stand for common sense, not costly virtue signalling.
Abroad, too, we’ve been timid where boldness is needed. Greater defence spending and a firmer stance against hostile states like China and Russia aren’t just strategic necessities; they’re moral imperatives. If we want to lead, we must rediscover the courage to defend what’s right, not cower before what’s convenient.
Lastly, at the heart of this transformation lies a simple truth: we must reconnect with the people we serve. Too often, Conservatives have looked uncomfortable in the presence of ordinary voters, preferring the company of think tanks and corporate boardrooms. This distance has cost us dearly. If we are to win back trust, we must rediscover the values that made Britain great: a deep respect for our Judeo-Christian heritage, pride in our history and an unapologetic belief in national greatness.
This means no more pandering to woke ideologies. No more Tory MPs taking the knee, apologising for white privilege or declaring that a trans woman is a woman. We must stand tall, unafraid to champion the Union Jack and defend the cultural bedrock that has underpinned our civilization. We must show the courage to say what everyone knows: that Britain is a nation worth preserving, protecting and celebrating.
What Donald Trump has taught us is that politics is not for the faint of heart. It demands conviction, clarity and a willingness to take risks. For Trump, the fight has never been about personal gain or elite approval – it has been about the people. If we, as British Conservatives, embrace that same spirit, we can lead a resurgence of bold, unashamedly patriotic conservatism.
The task ahead is daunting, but the reward is great: a Britain that once again inspires pride, a government that serves its citizens and a party that speaks for the many, not the few. Let’s heed the lessons from across the pond and dare to make Britain great again.
