Politics

Jeremy Corbyn boycotts Trump state dinner


Jeremy CorbynImage copyright
PA

Jeremy Corbyn has said he will not attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of Donald Trump.

The Labour leader said it would be wrong to “roll out the red carpet” for the US president, whom he accused of using “racist and misogynist rhetoric”.

The US-UK relationship did not need “the pomp and ceremony” of June’s state visit, he added.

Prime Minister Theresa May promised Mr Trump the honour after he was elected in 2016.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has already declined to attend the dinner, saying Mr Trump had been invited “inappropriately”.

In a statement, Mr Corbyn said: “Theresa May should not be rolling out the red carpet for a state visit to honour a president who rips up vital international treaties, backs climate change denial and uses racist and misogynist rhetoric.

“Maintaining an important relationship with the United States does not require the pomp and ceremony of a State Visit. It is disappointing that the prime minister has again opted to kowtow to this US administration.

“I would welcome a meeting with President Trump to discuss all matters of interest.”

But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the US should offer “the best possible welcome” to the president.

And Mrs May’s spokesman said the prime minister was “looking forward to welcoming the president here to build on our special relationship”.

The state visit will take place from 3 to 5 June.



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