UK PM Starmer Rejects Calls to Cancel Trump’s State Visit
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed calls to cancel a planned state visit for U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Trump’s recent heated argument with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. According to Reuters, Starmer believes maintaining strong ties with the U.S. is crucial, especially during a time of global uncertainty.
The invitation for Trump’s state visit, which would be his second, was handed over by Starmer during a meeting in Washington last week.
As Reuters reports, the visit is seen as a way to strengthen U.S.-UK relations and secure American support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Some British politicians, including the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), have called for the visit to be canceled after Trump criticized Zelenskiy for not being grateful enough for U.S. aid. However, Starmer pushed back, saying now is not the time to create divisions with Washington.
“We’re talking about peace in Europe,” Starmer told the BBC, emphasizing the importance of focusing on bigger issues rather than political disagreements.
A state visit is a major ceremonial event, complete with royal banquets and public displays of friendship between nations. As Reuters notes, Trump would be the first U.S. president to receive two state visits from a British monarch if the trip goes ahead.
While some, like SNP leader John Swinney, find it hard to believe the offer still stands, Starmer remains committed to the visit. He sees it as a chance to build bridges and secure U.S. backing for Ukraine’s security.
In summary, Reuters highlights that Starmer is prioritizing diplomacy and peace efforts over political criticism, even as debates over Trump’s visit continue in the UK.
Source: Reuters