Despite mounting calls to revoke the state visit invitation extended to former US President Donald Trump, UK ministers have stood firm on the decision. The invitation, personally handed to Trump by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his visit to Washington, remains in place even after Trump's public dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.  

 

Criticism came swiftly from various political figures, including members of the Scottish National Party and a senior Conservative MP, who urged reconsideration following Trump’s treatment of Zelensky in the Oval Office. However, Starmer dismissed the pressure, accusing critics of “trying to ramp up the rhetoric” and reaffirming his focus on securing US support for a security guarantee in Ukraine. He emphasized that such support is “the single most important thing at stake in Europe.”  

 

The prime minister admitted feeling “uncomfortable” while watching the televised exchange between Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice-President JD Vance. However, rather than escalating tensions, he stated his commitment to working through diplomatic channels, saying he preferred to “roll up my sleeves” instead of engaging in public confrontation.  

 

Starmer’s approach highlights his broader strategy of maintaining a working relationship with Trump amid concerns about the future of US involvement in a Ukraine peace deal. The situation has exposed divisions within the Conservative Party, with Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch expressing sympathy for Zelensky, whose White House visit was abruptly cut short without securing a critical minerals agreement. Badenoch remarked, “I watched it and I couldn’t believe what was happening. He was being humiliated.”  

 

Meanwhile, Shadow Defence Minister Alicia Kearns took a stronger stance, arguing that state visits should only be “conferred to the most honourable of allies.” She insisted that Trump’s visit should not proceed until the US demonstrates unwavering commitment to its allies. However, Badenoch’s spokesperson distanced the party from Kearns’ comments, clarifying that “personal views of individual MPs are not official Conservative Party positions.” They also stressed that the state visit ultimately falls under the jurisdiction of King Charles, who extended the invitation.  

 

The King’s views on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin are well known. In 2014, while still the Prince of Wales, he drew a controversial comparison between Putin and Adolf Hitler. During a visit to Halifax, Canada, Charles told a museum volunteer whose Jewish family had fled Europe: “And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler.”  

 

Based on a report by Sunday Times  2025-03-03

 

 

 

 

A pragmatic approach to Donald Trump’s easily manipulated and fragile ego together with a chance for the great British public to turn out an express their own opinion of the visiting U.S. President.

 

It’ll be fun.

 

 

Starmer knows what side his bread is buttered.

 

Roll out the red carpet. The great leader of the free world is coming. 

 

42 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A pragmatic approach to Donald Trump’s easily manipulated and fragile ego together with a chance for the great British public to turn out an express their own opinion of the visiting U.S. President.

 

It’ll be fun.

 

 

I wonder if the "Trump baby blimp" will make a reappearance, it was a magnificent idea last time.

47 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A pragmatic approach to Donald Trump’s easily manipulated and fragile ego together with a chance for the great British public to turn out an express their own opinion of the visiting U.S. President.

 

It’ll be fun.

 

 

Fun reading the meltdowns from old men.

40 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Starmer knows what side his bread is buttered.

 

Roll out the red carpet. The great leader of the free world is coming. 

 

Says a guy who doesn’t even know what his own national flag looks like.

10 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Says a guy who doesn’t even know what his own national flag looks like.

 

This is too easy - I knew I could rely on the resident pedant to point that out. Thankyou. 😄

 

Yes it is indeed incomplete, missing something. More simple. More dull.

 

Just like Britain under Starmer. 😄

 

21 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Says a guy who doesn’t even know what his own national flag looks like.

Do you own a flag?

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Do you own a flag?

Why would any adult own a flag?

12 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Why would any adult own a flag?

 

Remainers love 'em.

 

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Remainers love 'em.

 

As do your friends.

 

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

This is too easy - I knew I could rely on the resident pedant to point that out. Thankyou. 😄

 

Yes it is indeed incomplete, missing something. More simple. More dull.

 

Just like Britain under Starmer. 😄

 

Yes a Rookie mistake Jonny, but maybe also a tell.

 

 

9 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

As do your friends.

 

 

Or yours.

 

35 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Do you own a flag?

No don’t own any flags.

 

32 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Why would any adult own a flag?

Why do people care about flags?

Just now, Harrisfan said:

Why do people care about flags?

I thought you would have known, Dolf, you know everything else............🤔

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A pragmatic approach to Donald Trump’s easily manipulated and fragile ego together with a chance for the great British public to turn out an express their own opinion of the visiting U.S. President.

 

It’ll be fun.

 

 

Shall I predict, if he is not well received by "the great British public", tantrums, late night brainfarts on Twitter (or whatever it is called now), and the inevitable demands for tariffs?

2 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

A pragmatic approach to Donald Trump’s easily manipulated and fragile ego together with a chance for the great British public to turn out an express their own opinion of the visiting U.S. President.

 

It’ll be fun.

 

 

 

I doubt whether our views differ much on Trump.

 

However I don't think it would suit our/Ukraine's national interest to go completely nuts (blimp balloons etc) on public protests during Trump's visit.Why? Because it forms part of the strategic effort to obtain US security guarantees for Ukraine.In any case Starmer will ensure disruption is kep to minimum.

 

Does it leave a bad taste in the mouth? Yes of course.

Too many countries in Europe. Idiots can't get their act together.

31 minutes ago, jayboy said:

 

I doubt whether our views differ much on Trump.

 

However I don't think it would suit our/Ukraine's national interest to go completely nuts (blimp balloons etc) on public protests during Trump's visit.Why? Because it forms part of the strategic effort to obtain US security guarantees for Ukraine.In any case Starmer will ensure disruption is kep to minimum.

 

Does it leave a bad taste in the mouth? Yes of course.

Are you from Ukraine?

54 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Too many countries in Europe. Idiots can't get their act together.

You would know about that, Dolf............

53 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Are you from Ukraine?

Are you from Australia, Dolf........?

Trump should not go.

Incredible how he shakes the hands of all those people that hate him and want him "gone".

Such a big risk.