Lib Dems Call to Cancel King's US Visit Over Iran Conflict
The Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Keir Starmer to prevent the King from visiting the United States next month, citing Donald Trump's criticism of the British government's response to the situation in Iran.
The monarch and Queen Camilla are scheduled to meet the US president during a state visit planned for the end of April.
However, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has argued that the visit should be cancelled, warning it would represent a "huge diplomatic coup" for Trump amid ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
The conflict has created tensions between the UK and the US, particularly after Sir Keir initially declined to permit American aircraft to use British bases for bombing operations over Iran.
Subsequently, the UK authorised the US to utilize its bases for "defensive" strikes targeting missile sites in Iran that were used to launch retaliatory attacks. Additionally, Royal Air Force planes have been deployed to intercept Iranian drones and missiles.
These developments have drawn criticism from President Trump, who last week labelled Sir Keir as "no Winston Churchill" and accused him on Saturday of wanting to "join wars after we've already won."
The two leaders held a phone conversation on Sunday, marking their first discussion since the dispute intensified, although Downing Street released only limited information about the call.
On Monday, Sir Keir sought to downplay the discord, stating that American and British security officials were "working together every single day, as they always have."
He continued to defend his approach to the conflict, asserting that his actions were in line with "our principles" and "Britain's best interests."
Royal Visit Plans and Political Reactions
While the visit has not been officially confirmed, the King and Queen are expected to undertake a state visit to the US towards the end of next month, ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.
In a statement, Sir Ed Davey expressed his desire for the prime minister to advise the monarch that the trip "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," the Lib Dem leader said.
"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."
One Labour MP indicated that the prime minister would "almost certainly" face increased pressure from Labour MPs to cancel the King's visit as the date approaches.
The MP noted that those facing strong challenges from the Green Party in the upcoming local elections in England in May were particularly concerned about the perception that the government is not taking a firm enough stance against President Trump.
