UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – MPs and peers in the UK oppose Donald Trump’s planned address to Parliament, citing concerns over his remarks on NATO, Ukraine, and British democracy.
As reported by The Guardian, a group of MPs and peers has urged that President Trump be prevented from speaking in Parliament during his visit to the UK.
The US president has proposed that Buckingham Palace is arranging a September date for his visit to Britain.
Why did Lord McFall oppose Trump addressing the UK Parliament?
Several MPs have raised concerns about the idea of Donald Trump addressing Parliament.
A message sent to Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, stated,
“If it is suggested that he be invited to address both Houses of Parliament, I hope that you and Lindsay will suggest that it would be inappropriate on this occasion because of his attitude towards and comments about the UK, parliamentary democracy, the NATO alliance, and Ukraine.”
Lord Foulkes views on Trump addressing Parliament
Lord Foulkes, a former minister in Tony Blair’s government, is leading efforts to block Donald Trump from addressing Parliament.
He said,
“While the government is obliged to deal with governments of all kinds, parliament should not welcome a leader who is anti-democratic and flouts the courts and the rule of law.”
Mr Foulkes added,
“He also fails to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which all parties in the UK parliament have done.”
What did Kate Osborne ask Speaker Hoyle in her letter?
Labour MP Kate Osborne has written to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to adopt the stance of his predecessor, John Bercow, by opposing a presidential address in Parliament.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, Ms Osborne wrote,
“I am asking you as the Speaker to agree it would be inappropriate and mirror the previous Speaker’s recommendation.”
Where will Trump’s Second State Visit Take Place?
During a meeting at the White House in February, Keir Starmer delivered what he described as a “truly historic” invitation from the king, inviting Donald Trump for a second state visit to Britain.
The latest indicates that Windsor Castle is the likely venue for Trump’s visit, replacing earlier suggestions of Balmoral or Dumfries House.
Windsor Castle is a place of fond memories for Mr. Trump. This is especially true of his 2018 visit, where he shared a cup of tea with the late Queen and observed the guard with her.
What did Trump say about his upcoming state visit and the Royal Family?
Last week, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump stated,
“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 really just a great respect for the family.”
UK-US trade deal and tariff discussions
The announcement of Trump’s visit coincides with the UK government’s push for a better trade deal with the US. British officials are working with Washington to remove the 10% tariffs that President Trump placed on all trading partners during his “liberation day” on April 2.
A major concern for Britain is the 25% tariff on cars, which is one of its largest manufacturing exports to America.
Insiders from the White House suggest that a trade deal could be finalized in the coming weeks. However, UK ministers have committed to signing an agreement that serves the “national interest.”