MPs reject plan for Donald Trump to address Parliament during UK visit
Several MPs and members of the House of Lords in the UK have urged that Donald Trump be prevented from delivering an address to Parliament during his upcoming visit to the UK.
The former US president has indicated that Buckingham Palace is working on plans for a possible visit in September.
However, some lawmakers have raised objections, arguing that it would be "inappropriate" for Trump to speak at the Palace of Westminster, following in the footsteps of former presidents such as Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton.
According to a report in The Times, a message sent to Lord McFall of Alcluith, the Lord Speaker, stated: "Should there be a proposal for Donald Trump to address both Houses of Parliament, I trust you and Lindsay would agree that such an invitation would be unsuitable at this time, given his views and remarks concerning the UK, democratic governance, NATO, and the war in Ukraine."
The initiative to block Trump from addressing UK parliamentarians is being led by Lord Foulkes, a former minister in Tony Blair’s government.
Lord Foulkes commented: "While it’s necessary for the government to engage with various world leaders, Parliament isn’t obligated to host someone who undermines democratic norms and shows disregard for the legal system."
He added, "Trump’s refusal to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is particularly troubling, especially when all UK political parties have taken a unified stance against it."
Labour MP Kate Osborne has reportedly urged Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to take a stance against Donald Trump addressing Parliament, following the example set by former Speaker John Bercow.
In a letter to Hoyle, Osborne is said to have written: "I am asking you, as Speaker, to acknowledge that such an address would be inappropriate and to reflect the position taken by your predecessor."
Osborne has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Traditionally, US presidents serving a second term and who have already made a state visit are hosted for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, a precedent followed with George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
On Thursday last week, Trump let slip that he expects to visit the UK in September, after Keir Starmer handed him a personal invitation from King Charles III during his visit to the White House in February.
However, recent reports indicate that Windsor Castle is now the likely location for Donald Trump's upcoming visit, replacing earlier speculation that it might be held at Balmoral or Dumfries House.
Speaking to the press in the Oval Office last week, Trump said: "They’re planning a second event — a kind of celebration — that’s what it is, a celebration, and it’s beautiful. It’s the first time something like this has been done for one person."
"It’s because of the two separate terms, and it’s truly an honour. I consider King Charles a friend, and I have a lot of respect for him and the royal family. William as well — we really have deep respect for the family," he continued.