LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed calls to withdraw the state visit invitation for US President Donald Trump, despite backlash over Trump’s public dispute with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The state visit invitation from King Charles—delivered personally by Starmer during a Washington meeting—aims to strengthen US-UK relations and secure US security guarantees for Ukraine. However, some UK politicians, including Scottish National Party (SNP) leader John Swinney, have urged its cancellation, citing Trump’s criticism of Zelenskiy’s gratitude for US military aid.
Starmer: Security Over Political Rhetoric
Starmer defended the decision, warning against political division at a fragile time for Europe:
“I’m not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric… The most important issue at stake here is peace in Europe.”
The invitation makes Trump the first elected leader to receive two British state visits. His first visit in 2019 included a lavish banquet and tea with King Charles.
Meanwhile, a petition opposing Trump’s visit has gained nearly 70,000 signatures, with some UK lawmakers suggesting pausing the visit until the US commits to Ukraine’s security.