Call off King's US state visit over Iran war, urge Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Keir Starmer to intervene and halt the upcoming planned visit of King Charles III to the United States next month. This demand arises amid controversy following US President Donald Trump’s criticism of the UK’s handling of the conflict with Iran. Reports indicate that the monarch and Queen Camilla intend to meet with President Biden towards the end of April as part of a state visit, but opposition voices argue the timing is inappropriate.

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has expressed strong disapproval of the visit, claiming it would serve as a significant diplomatic win for Trump at a time when the US and Israel are conducting strikes against Iran. The UK’s initial refusal to let American forces use British airbases during the early stages of the conflict heightened tensions, as the transatlantic relationship was put under strain. Although Britain later agreed to allow “defensive” airstrikes targeting Iranian missile sites from its bases and deployed RAF aircraft to counter Iranian drones and missiles, Trump has not held back his criticism, labeling Sir Keir as “no Winston Churchill” and accusing him of wanting to “join wars after we’ve already won.”

Despite these clashes, the UK Prime Minister and the US President held a phone conversation on Sunday, marking their first communication since the tension escalated. Downing Street shared few details about the call. On Monday, Sir Keir sought to downplay the discord by emphasizing that security cooperation between the two countries continues daily. He reaffirmed that his actions regarding the conflict align with British principles and national interests.

While the state visit is not yet officially confirmed, it is anticipated to take place before the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July. Sir Ed Davey has urged Prime Minister Starmer to advise the monarch to cancel the trip, arguing that hosting a state visit at this moment would legitimize Trump’s actions, which he describes as an “illegal war” devastating the Middle East and driving up energy costs for UK families. Davey criticized the potential visit, stating it would grant a “huge diplomatic coup” to a leader who “repeatedly insults and damages our country.” Responses from government figures were mixed—cabinet minister Steve Reed remarked that Ed Davey should not dictate the King’s engagements, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for the visit to avoid becoming a “political event” and pressed Sir Keir to authorize RAF participation in “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile sites, accusing the Prime Minister of being slow to act.

Parliamentary dynamics suggest growing internal pressure on Sir Keir, particularly from MPs wary of electoral challenges by the Greens during upcoming local elections. Some Labour members believe that as the date approaches, calls to cancel the King’s visit will intensify, reflecting concerns about appearing insufficiently tough on President Trump.

Since ascending the throne in 2022, King Charles III has undertaken multiple state visits, including to Germany, France, Kenya, Italy, Australia, Samoa, and the Vatican, where he made history by publicly praying with the Pope as the first Church of England head to do so. The forthcoming US visit would be a continuation of these diplomatic and ceremonial engagements, which are coordinated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in conjunction with a government committee involving Downing Street, the Cabinet Office, and trade officials. Notably, Donald Trump had made an unusual second state visit to the UK last September, breaking with tradition by being invited for a full state visit rather than the customary tea or lunch at Windsor Castle for second-term American presidents

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More