In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through political circles, the Prime Minister has firmly dismissed calls to cancel Donald Trump’s “unprecedented” state visit to the UK, reported REUTERS. The controversy erupted after Mr Trump engaged in a fiery exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday. During the heated confrontation, Mr Trump told the Ukrainian President he was “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War Three.”
The fallout from the explosive remarks has been swift. Both the SNP and Scottish Greens have urged the cancellation of the state visit, arguing that such a high-profile event should not proceed amid ongoing diplomatic tensions.
However, Sir Keir Starmer, responding to questions on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, stated, “I’m not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric without really appreciating what is the single most important thing at stake in Europe”, according to BBC. Although Sir Keir admitted that the confrontation in the Oval Office left him feeling “uncomfortable,” he emphasized a pragmatic approach, adding that he chose to “roll up my sleeves” in response, rather than “ramp up the rhetoric.”
Adding further intrigue to the situation, the Prime Minister had presented Mr Trump with a letter from the King, inviting him for a second state visit, just 24 hours before the public row with Mr Zelensky. This timing has raised questions about the internal discussions and diplomatic strategies at play behind closed doors.
Amid these developments, Scottish First Minister John Swinney told the Sunday Mail that the state visit “cannot go ahead” if the US withdraws its support for Kyiv. He explained, “If, despite what President Trump said, a state visit can help solidify US support for Ukraine, if the US maintains its support for Ukraine, then perhaps it can proceed.” His comments underscore the high stakes involved, with some arguing that the visit could serve as a critical signal of transatlantic solidarity in the face of European security challenges.
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister Alicia Kearns told the Mail on Sunday that “state visits should be conferred to the most honourable of allies.” In a related statement, a spokesperson for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch clarified that the views of individual MPs are not representative of the party’s stance. The spokesperson maintained that the state visit is a “matter for the King” who sent the invite, adding it is “imperative that the UK remains close to America and they don’t disengage from NATO if we are going to get a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has also weighed in, suggesting that Mr Trump’s visit should not be cancelled and could be used as an opportunity to secure enhanced security guarantees for Ukraine. An online petition calling for the cancellation of the state visit has already garnered more than 70,000 signatures, reflecting the deep divisions and intense emotions surrounding this unfolding diplomatic drama.
