Growing Calls for Keir Starmer to Halt King Charles' US State Visit
Pressure is intensifying on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to intervene and cancel King Charles' scheduled state visit to the United States next month. This follows a series of insulting attacks launched by US President Donald Trump against Britain, sparking widespread diplomatic concern.
Political Leaders Demand Postponement or Cancellation
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has publicly urged Starmer to advise the King that the April visit should be called off. "At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, it’s clear this visit should not go ahead," Davey stated. He argued that a state visit would be seen as a major diplomatic victory for Trump, who has repeatedly insulted and damaged the UK.
Labour backbencher Rachael Maskell echoed these sentiments, suggesting the trip be put on hold. "I'm not sure what would be gained from his going to the US at this point, unless it was to make a direct intervention on this current conflict, because this should be the only thing on anyone's agenda," she told The Mirror.
Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward went further, calling the prospect "unthinkable." "Trump’s USA has become a rogue state, waging illegal wars abroad and unleashing terror on its streets through Trump’s ICE thugs," she said, emphasizing the inappropriateness of the visit.
Trump's Escalating Rhetoric and Diplomatic Strains
The controversy stems from Trump's recent outbursts over Starmer's initial refusal to allow UK bases to be used in attacks on Iran. Although the Prime Minister later permitted US military use of British facilities after Iranian missiles targeted allies and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, tensions have persisted.
In a social media post on Saturday night, Trump wrote, "The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That's OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don't need them any longer - But we will remember. We don't need people that join Wars after we've already won!" Last week, he dismissively told reporters, "This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with."
Official Responses and Ongoing Diplomacy
Despite the friction, Starmer and Trump spoke on the phone on Sunday, with Downing Street releasing a statement highlighting discussions on the Middle East situation and military cooperation. The Prime Minister expressed condolences for the deaths of six US soldiers, and both leaders agreed to speak again soon.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended Starmer's stance, noting that joining Trump's initial strikes was not in Britain's interests. "The US president has a responsibility to do what he thinks is right in the US national interest. The UK Prime Minister has the responsibility to do what he thinks is right in the UK's national interest," she said, acknowledging disagreements while affirming strong security partnerships.
The monarch's visit is now under significant threat, with fears that proceeding would be insensitive amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. As calls for cancellation gather pace, the diplomatic fallout between the UK and US continues to unfold, putting Starmer in a pivotal position to navigate these complex international relations.
