A growing number of British lawmakers are pushing to prevent President Donald Trump’s UK state visit from including the traditional honour of addressing Parliament, citing concerns that the U.S. president “does not respect democracy.”
As preparations are reportedly underway for a royal invitation in September, with Trump himself suggesting Buckingham Palace is “setting a date” for his stay, Members of Parliament (MPs) and peers from across the political spectrum are voicing strong objections to any speech Trump might deliver at the Palace of Westminster.
Several parliamentarians, referencing precedent set by former presidents like Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, argue that Trump’s past conduct and remarks make him unworthy of the honour.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, a Labour peer and former minister under Tony Blair’s administration, has formally written to Lord Speaker Lord McFall of Alcluith. In his letter, Lord Foulkes stated that it would be “inappropriate” for Trump to address both Houses of Parliament, citing his “attitude towards and comments about the UK, Parliamentary democracy, the NATO Alliance and Ukraine.”
“I have written to the Lord Speaker urging him not to agree that Trump should address Parliament as previous Presidents have done, because he does not respect democracy, the Courts or the Rule of Law and he does not condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as all parties at Westminster do.”
Lord Foulkes
Trump’s Credibility For Such An Honour Questioned
Labour MP Kate Osborne also joined the chorus, sending her own letter to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. She requested that Hoyle follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, John Bercow, who blocked an address from Trump during his first term.
In the letter, Osborne wrote: “I am asking you as the Speaker to agree it would be inappropriate and mirror the previous Speaker’s recommendation.”
She emphasized that while it’s the government’s prerogative to engage with Trump on various diplomatic issues, “that does not translate to giving him the honour of addressing the UK parliament, the decision of which I believe should reside with you.” Osborne further warned that “the risk of low attendance could also have negative or unintended consequences.”
Although Labour leadership has so far refrained from directly criticising Trump — likely due to sensitive post-Brexit trade negotiations with the United States — several backbench MPs are stepping forward to take a firm stand.
“Parliament has nothing to learn from a serial liar, cheat, womaniser, and bankrupt. We don’t need Trump to lecture and dictate his unilateral terms to our elected representatives.
“If Trump’s serious about engaging with the UK in good faith, he should start by removing his foolish tariffs which will only punish both US and UK consumers.”
Unnamed Labour MP
During Trump’s first presidency, over 70 Labour MPs signed an early day motion opposing his right to address Parliament. That group included prominent figures now serving in Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Despite this opposition, Trump appears optimistic about the visit.
“They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest … that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.
“And the reason is we have two separate terms, and it’s an honour … I’m a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have really just a great respect for the family.”
President Donald Trump
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for the Lord Speaker commented: “Should a request be made to address the Houses of Parliament, it will be considered in the usual way.”
As Donald Trump’s UK state visit approaches, the controversy continues to stir heated debate over tradition, diplomacy, and democratic principles.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Opioid Crisis Heightens Amid Regulatory Silence
