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6d ago

UK Parliament Faces Calls to Block Trump’s Address During State Visit

MPs and peers cite concerns over President Trump’s respect for democracy and past comments as formal requests to block his speech are under review.

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Sir Keir Starmer delivered a letter from the King inviting Donald Trump to a second state visit when the Prime Minister visited the White House in February. But a growing number of Labour MPs are opposed to the idea of Trump addressing Parliament when he is in the UK (Photo: Carl Court/PA Wire)
Starmer handed Trump a letter from the King in his visit to the White House in February

Overview

  • MPs and peers have formally requested the Lords and Commons Speakers to block President Trump from addressing Parliament during his September state visit.
  • Critics argue Trump’s comments on the UK, NATO, and Ukraine, as well as his alleged disregard for democracy, make such an address inappropriate.
  • Labour MP Kate Osborne and Lord Foulkes of Cumnock have led the campaign, urging the Speakers to follow precedents like John Bercow’s 2019 decision to block Trump.
  • The UK Government is focused on securing a US–UK trade deal by May 19, ahead of a planned EU reset meeting with Ursula von der Leyen.
  • Past addresses by foreign leaders, including Barack Obama in 2011 and Volodymyr Zelensky in 2023, are being referenced as procedural precedents in the debate.