Overview

• The Liberal Democrat leader said he will not attend the Windsor Castle state banquet during President Trump’s 17–19 September visit.
• He argues Trump could press Benjamin Netanyahu and regional mediators to secure a ceasefire, open aid routes and free hostages but has chosen not to.
• Davey wrote that turning down the King’s invitation goes against his instincts after he and his wife “thought and prayed long and hard” about the decision.
• Senior Conservatives, including Dame Priti Patel, condemned the move as disrespectful to the monarch and poor judgment.
• The visit will be Trump’s second UK state visit, with no address to Parliament scheduled, and follows a 2019 banquet that several UK politicians boycotted.