THERE is a spectre haunting the UK – the spectre of Donald Trump.

Even in the short time since his inauguration, his looming shadow has already cast itself over our politics and opened up divisions in our society.

As misogyny and racism raise their heads on both sides of the Atlantic, the impact that Trump has personally had in expanding the envelope of what is acceptable behaviour in our public life is both dangerous and corrosive. We cannot allow this to take root. We must continue to fight back.

Before his instalment in the White House less than two weeks ago, the main debate about the future policy direction of his presidency seemed to be predicated on whether his election on the back of his outrageous policy positions made him an enormous liar or a dangerous racist. The answer is already crystal clear. He is both.

His repugnant policies have brought millions of protesters to the streets, not only in the USA but in cities and towns across the world. On this fundamental level our ‘Special Relationship’ has been never been stronger. Those of us who believe in progressive, inclusive politics now stand side by side with the majority of the US population in rejecting Trump and his divisive and dangerous worldview. These principles will continue to bind us together.

The contrast between this positive, enduring coalition and the expedient partnership between Donald Trump and Theresa May could not be more stark. The relationship they’ve forged in the time since his election has been built on short-term political expediency and the immediate needs of the ruling administrations on both sides of the Atlantic.

Our Prime Minister has entered into her discussions with Trump from a position of fundamental weakness. Cast adrift from the mainstream of European politics, under her leadership the UK is set on a course to leave the EU. Now we’ve publicly rejected the solidarity with our near neighbours which has underpinned UK foreign policy for decades, we have little option but to turn west to the US to forge new international partnerships.

At the same time, the independent Office of Budget Responsibility has calculated that UK exports are set to decline over the next few years as a result of Brexit. The long-term economic prospectus for a post-Brexit UK is still far from positive. The Tory Government in Whitehall urgently needs a political success to appease their support base and counterbalance the damage to our economy that is on the way.

Washington’s new insular and protectionist administration also now needs a useful distraction to counterbalance their planned withdrawal from Asia-Pacific Trade Deal. For them, being seen to reach out across the Atlantic serves this short-term purpose. However, despite this desire for international recognition, Trump still has the upper hand in any negotiations to come. He understands the fundamental weakness of the Prime Minister and the UK, and he is ready to take full political and economic advantage.

Theresa May is looking increasingly buffeted by events around her, unable to steer a clear course to the future. She is a Remainer in a Brexiteer government, and a control freak in a fast-moving environment that is spiralling beyond her grasp.

On terms like these, securing a good deal for Scotland and the UK is next to impossible. We have very few cards to play, and those heading the negotiations in Whitehall have little political interest in being seen to deliver for Scotland. If the needs of the Scottish fishermen were “expendable” in discussions with Europe in the 1970s, the prospects for Scottish interests in these talks are bleak.

The US has longstanding policy that would seek to undermine our whisky industry by removing the need for our iconic product to be matured for at least three years, and to lower our food quality standards to allow quality Scottish produce on the market to be undercut by lower quality US beef and chicken.

In this context, Theresa May’s weakness is Trump’s opportunity. Any deal will be delivered to Scotland’s cost.

That’s why it’s increasingly vital that Scotland has an opportunity to set its own course. It’s the only way to protect our economy and society from a desperate deal with Trump.

Today’s parliamentary vote on the first stage towards invoking Article 50 is a reminder that the clock is ticking, and that the window of opportunity for Scotland to secure a special deal with Europe from within the UK is beginning to close.