Canada (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Canada’s PM Mark Carney criticized the UK’s Trump invite, calling it a blow to Canadian sovereignty amid growing diplomatic strains.
As reported by Sky News, Mark Carney stated that Britain’s decision to welcome Donald Trump for a second state visit left Canadians unimpressed and concerned.
During his visit to the Oval Office, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer personally extended the invitation to Donald Trump.
What did Mark Carney say about Trump’s UK visit?
Newly appointed Liberal Party leader Mark Carney condemned the UK’s decision to invite President Trump for a second state visit, saying it conflicted with Canada’s diplomatic stance toward the U.S. over sovereignty concerns.
He said,
“I think, to be frank, they [Canadians] weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance. It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”
The Canadian Prime Minister’s invitation for the King to open Parliament later this month is being viewed as a strong symbol of sovereignty.
For the first time in almost five decades, the sovereign is set to perform this function, a move Mr Carney insists is “no coincidence.”
He stated,
“All issues around Canada’s sovereignty have been accentuated by the president. So no, it’s not coincidental, but it is also a reaffirming moment for Canadians.”
Mark Carney defended his first foreign trip as prime minister to the White House, explaining that President Trump had shifted his stance on annexing Canada from merely an expectation to an actual desire.
He said,
“He was expressing a desire. He’d shifted from an expectation to a desire. He was also coming from a place where he recognised that that wasn’t going to happen. Does he still muse about it? Perhaps. Is it ever going to happen? No. Never.”
During the high-stakes meeting in the Oval Office, the Canadian Prime Minister praised the president’s approach, describing him as “very on top of the essence of a wide range of issues” and “able to identify the points of maximum leverage, both in a specific situation and in a broader geopolitical context.”
As relations improve between the two North American neighbours, Mr Carney remains optimistic about Mr Trump’s efforts in facilitating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
The Canadian leader reaffirmed his belief that Mr Trump acted as an “honest broker” and praised him for being “helpful” in pushing for a 30-day ceasefire between the warring nations.
He added,
“We do plan for having no deal, we do plan for trouble in the security relationship. We do plan for the global trading system not being reassembled: that’s the way to approach this president.”
What did Pat McFadden say about the Trump state visit?
Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, defended the Trump state visit, downplaying the significance of Mr Carney’s remarks.
He said,
“We’re very pleased that there’s going to be a second state visit from President Trump. Every country has to decide how it conducts its own relations with other countries.”
Mr McFadden stated,
“For us, the United States relationship is really important. It’s a very long friendship. We’ve conducted a very good deal with the United States just last week which has saved thousands of jobs in the UK automotive industry.”
He added,
“We want a positive relationship with the United States, to sell them great products. Every country has to choose its own path, but our relationship with Canada is really important too.”
What did Trump say about the invitation to visit the UK?
President Trump said,
“I was invited by the king and the country – great country. They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest … that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.”
He added,
“And the reason is we have two separate terms, and it’s an honour … I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have just a great respect for the family. And I think they’re setting a date for September.”