Sunak Meets Biden.
Why Does Sunak Always Look Like The Junior Partner?
Why does Rishi Sunak (at least to me) always look like he is being dominated or manipulated by other world leaders?
When he met Macron recently to hand over a load of cash (to stop migrants coming to Britain) Sunak looked like the weaker of the pair. Beyond all the back-patting, smiles, etc, it looked like Macron was the senior figure.
Maybe I am underestimating the first Hindu Prime Minister of the UK. Certainly, in parliament, he can give Sir Keir a good answer. But more often than not Sir Keir lands verbal blows that Sunak has no answer for or avoids answering. So is Sir Keir dominant in the clashes he has with Rishi? Many times it seems he is when speaking about the lives of ordinary people. And how Conservative policies are having a terrible effect on their poorer constituents?
Many will have noticed Mr. Sunak has taken to wearing glasses. Now there is nothing wrong with that as we all from time to time wear them. But this has made Sunak look like a geek. One can imagine that Sunak was and still is a geek. Again nothing wrong with that as geeks turn out to be really talented, creative, and intelligent people. Whether you could apply that to Wishy-Washy Rishi is another thing. At least in my particular opinion.
President Joe Biden recently flew into Northern Ireland on Airforce 1. Biden is here to visit Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Biden himself is of Irish descent and still has family in the Irish Republic.
Certainly, he will be meeting Irish leaders to discuss the anniversary of the 'Good Friday Agreement'. Also on the agenda will be the new 'Windsor Agreement' triumphed as a success by Rishi Sunak. No doubt, this will have been discussed by the President and the UK Prime Minister too.
Many see Biden as interfering in British internal affairs. Especially when it comes to Northern Irish affairs. Tony Blair who agreed to the 'Good Friday Agreement' with Republicans and Loyalists has told Mr Biden not to interfere.
As the bespectacled Sunak met Biden on the airport tarmac in Northern Ireland Sunak Sunak (once more)looked like the junior partner. Although Biden spoke with Sunak it seemed the British Prime Minister (as with Macron) looked completely out of his depth. As Biden proceeded to speak to others present (like military officers) it seemed Sunak was struggling to keep the President's attention. Of course, Biden cannot ignore others present but it looked like Sunak was struggling to keep Biden's eyes on him.
If Sunak had not been there it probably wouldn't have made a bit of difference. Whether Biden would have minded is another thing. No doubt the headlines would have been 'Sunak snub to Biden'. But seriously, Sunak looked vulnerable as he struggled to keep Biden's attention. Indeed, Sunak looked like he was on a placement or an intern from college.
Sunak seems to have issues with his public image. In public broadcasts when making a speech Sunak looks stiff and awkwardly robotic. Like some awful AI like those awful AI robots, you see supposedly acting independently.
Even in one-to-one interviews Sunak sometimes struggles. Many of us suffer from confidence issues and Sunak may be one such person. But in such a media-savvy world Sunak would do well to work on his media image.
One would have thought coming from the background he does (in finance) he would have worked on how he comes across. His advisors must have pointed out his stiff appearances on visual media. They are failing him big time in such appearances either knowingly or not.
About the Creator
Nicholas Bishop
I am a freelance writer currently writing for Blasting News and HubPages. I mainly write about politics. But have and will cover all subjects when the need arises.
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King Charles and His Coronation: So What?
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By Nicholas Bishop3 years ago in The Swamp
New 22 km Tunnel Puts China on Top of Engineering World and at the Center of Infrastructure Ethics Storm
China has once again captured global attention with the completion of a massive 22-kilometer tunnel that sets new benchmarks in engineering while also sparking debate about infrastructure ethics. Stretching under mountains and rivers, this monumental project demonstrates the nation’s unparalleled capabilities in large-scale construction, yet it also raises serious questions about environmental, social, and ethical standards in modern megaprojects. Engineering Marvel: A Tunnel Like No Other The newly completed tunnel, designed to connect two major cities across a rugged mountainous region, represents a feat few countries could attempt. At 22 kilometers, it is among the longest transportation tunnels in the world. Equipped with advanced ventilation, seismic resistance technology, and high-speed rail integration, it is intended to reduce travel times dramatically and facilitate both passenger and freight transit. Engineers describe the project as a “once-in-a-generation achievement.” Cutting-edge tunneling machines, capable of boring through hard rock while minimizing vibrations, were used alongside sophisticated monitoring systems that tracked structural integrity in real-time. The project’s completion ahead of schedule surprised international experts, solidifying China’s reputation as a global leader in infrastructure development. Economic and Strategic Implications Beyond the engineering accomplishment, the tunnel has strategic and economic significance. By linking previously isolated regions, it is expected to stimulate local economies, improve trade logistics, and enhance connectivity for millions of residents. Analysts predict increased investment opportunities, with businesses eager to capitalize on faster transportation networks. For China, the tunnel also serves as a symbol of national pride and a demonstration of soft power. The project reinforces the country’s image as a global infrastructure powerhouse capable of taking on projects that dwarf anything currently underway elsewhere in the world. Ethical Storm: Questions of Sustainability and Social Responsibility Despite the technical triumph, the tunnel has sparked an international debate over infrastructure ethics. Environmental groups have raised alarms about the ecological impact of tunneling through sensitive ecosystems. The excavation process required removing millions of tons of earth, altering waterways, and potentially affecting local wildlife habitats. Critics argue that the environmental costs may outweigh the benefits if long-term ecological damage is not addressed. Human rights organizations have also weighed in, questioning labor practices on mega-projects in China. Reports of extended shifts, high-risk working conditions, and pressure on workers to meet tight deadlines have drawn comparisons with other controversial infrastructure projects globally. While the government maintains that safety standards were upheld, the lack of independent verification fuels skepticism. Furthermore, questions about social displacement have emerged. Large infrastructure projects often necessitate the relocation of nearby communities. In this case, several villages reportedly faced relocation, prompting concerns about adequate compensation, cultural preservation, and long-term social effects. Critics argue that rapid development should not come at the cost of human dignity. Global Reactions International observers are split. Some praise China for pushing the limits of civil engineering, likening the tunnel to the feats of earlier eras when nations competed to achieve technical superiority. Others view it as a cautionary tale, highlighting the tension between technological ambition and ethical responsibility. The tunnel also puts pressure on other nations to up their infrastructure game. Countries around the world, from Europe to South America, are now evaluating their capacity to undertake projects of similar scale, raising questions about financing, governance, and sustainability. Balancing Progress with Responsibility The 22-kilometer tunnel illustrates a broader challenge faced by modern infrastructure projects: how to balance technical progress with ethical considerations. China’s achievement demonstrates what is possible with ambition, resources, and cutting-edge engineering. Yet, the surrounding controversies serve as a reminder that infrastructure development cannot be measured solely by speed, size, or cost. Environmental stewardship, worker welfare, and social accountability are equally important metrics. For engineers and policymakers worldwide, the project is a learning opportunity. It underscores the need for transparent planning, rigorous environmental assessments, and inclusive stakeholder consultation. Mega-projects of the future will increasingly be judged not just on their technical merits but on how responsibly they are executed. Conclusion China’s 22-kilometer tunnel stands as a symbol of national ingenuity, demonstrating what human engineering can achieve when resources and expertise converge. It places the country at the forefront of infrastructure innovation, showcasing a level of precision, scale, and ambition few nations can match. However, the ethical debates surrounding environmental impact, labor conditions, and social displacement cannot be ignored. The tunnel is not only a triumph of engineering but also a mirror reflecting the moral questions of modern development. As nations pursue larger and more complex infrastructure projects, the lessons from this undertaking will resonate far beyond China’s borders, shaping the global discourse on how to build a future that is not only impressive but also responsible
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi6 days ago in The Swamp
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