British parliamentarian calls on the U.K. to rally around Canada, throws poutine party
As a political stuntman, Ed Davey is no stranger to attention-grabbing antics. From bungee-jumping off a crane to shoveling sheep manure on a Welsh farm, the leader of the U.K.’s Liberal Democrats has never shied away from bold moves to rally voters. But now, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war escalating, Davey is turning his focus towards supporting Canada.
In a recent stunt at a Canadian-themed pub in central London, Davey burst through a Canada flag and invited local media to join him for a meal of Canadian poutine, Beaver Tails, and Canadian beer. “I want to make sure that people know that British people stand with Canada,” Davey told CBC News at the event. His message was clear: in the face of Trump’s punitive tariffs, it’s crucial for Britons to show solidarity with Canada.
Davey, who led the Lib Dems to their best electoral showing in almost a century, has been a vocal advocate for Canada in Parliament, referring to Trump as a “playground bully.” He believes that standing up against Trump’s behavior is not just about supporting Canada, but about preventing harm to the global community.
While Davey has called on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to fly to Canada in solidarity, Starmer has emphasized the importance of negotiating with Trump to avoid further trade measures. The European Commission has announced counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, but Davey believes that strength lies in unity with Commonwealth allies like Canada.
Even the British royal family has shown its support for Canada, with King Charles planting a Canadian Maple Tree at Buckingham Palace and bestowing a ceremonial sword upon a Canadian official. The intentional displays of Canadiana are seen as a gesture of political support from the royals.
Despite the symbolic gestures of support, many world leaders have been cautious in their responses to Trump’s actions. Davey commended Canadian leaders like Trudeau and Carney for their strong stance against Trump, and urged others to follow suit.
As Davey tried poutine for the first time, he joked about its “super healthy” appearance. But his message was a serious one: in the face of Trump’s trade policies, it’s crucial for Britain to stand in solidarity with Canada and other allies. And with his track record of attention-grabbing stunts, Davey’s latest cause may just be his most important yet.
