Ed Davey has called for the King’s upcoming state visit to the US to be cancelled after Donald Trump unleashed yet more criticism of the UK’s response to the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
The US president’s latest outburst has raised questions over King Charles’ expected state visit to the US in April amid a widening rift in the so-called special relationship.
The Liberal Democrat leader said Mr Trump should not be afforded “yet another huge diplomatic coup” after launching what he called “an illegal war” on Iran.
“Keir Starmer should advise the King that the state visit to the US scheduled for April should be called off,” he said.
“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.
“A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.”
The call comes as he prepares for Monday’s Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, after he praised it as a forum for “honest discussion” aimed at improving the lives of billions in an “increasingly fragmented” world.
King Charles has played a vital role in easing relations between the UK and Trump, with the US president’s second state visit last year having been seen as a broad success.
The upcoming state visit would coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US declaration of independence, a first by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II accepted an invitation from George W Bush in 2007.
Labour backbenchers also joined the call to cancel the state visit with one telling The Times: “It would be good to cancel and send a message.”
Another said the government should reassess “what the value of the visit is”, and that it is “unclear” whether the King could change Trump’s outlook on the war in the Middle East.
But communities secretary Steve Reed hit out at Mr Davey’s suggestion, and told the BBC: “I don’t think it’s for Ed Davey to decide what the King should or shouldn’t be doing, and I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to comment on his arrangements either.”
Downing Street also reiterated on Monday that the visit has not yet been confirmed.
The US president launched another broadside at the prime minister overnight, writing on Truth Social that the US does not need anyone to “join wars after we’ve already won”.
Britain did not join the initial strikes on Iran, but has since allowed US forces to use British bases to strike in a defensive capacity.
Sir Keir has repeatedly said he stands by his decision, and told parliament on Monday that his government “does not believe in regime change from the skies”, in an apparent criticism of the US president’s bombing campaign.
Despite the ongoing spat, a Downing Street spokesperson said the two leaders spoke on Sunday afternoon.
“The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region,” they said.
“The prime minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US soldiers.”
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