Donald Trump puts state visit to UK 'on hold'
US President reportedly tells Theresa May he will not come if there are likely to be protests
Donald Trump's state visit to the UK has reportedly been "put on hold" after he called Theresa May to say he does not want to come if there are likely to be large-scale protests.
According to a Downing Street adviser said to be in the room at the time of the call, the conversation took place several weeks ago and "surprised May", says The Guardian.
Downing Street refused to comment on "speculation about the contents of private phone conversations", but insisted there has been no change to the plans and the Queen's invitation still stands.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Trump was "clearly terrified of the British public".
He added: "He knows that the British people find his politics appalling and that they won't be scared to make their views known.
"May should be embarrassed that she was so quick to offer Trump a state visit. Now neither of them want to be seen with the other."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for the cancellation of the visit altogether, joining MPs from across the political spectrum in citing disagreements over the Paris climate accord and the US President's criticism of London Mayor Sadiq Khan following the London Bridge terror attacks.
May, the first foreign leader to visit Trump in the White House, issued the invitation seven days after the President's inauguration in January. Many senior diplomats, including Lord Ricketts, a former national security adviser, said the invitation was premature but impossible to rescind once made.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Cure for Trump amnesia might be his NY trial'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Tesla cuts prices in 'intensifying' EV war
Speed Read Electric vehicle giant has struggled in the face of weakening demand, competition from China and technical setbacks
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay: unwind at this picture-perfect resort
The Week Recommends The retreat that's ideal for recharging your batteries while experiencing life on an Indonesian island
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
How could the Supreme Court's Fischer v. US case impact the other Jan 6. trials including Trump's?
Today's Big Question A former Pennsylvania cop might hold the key to a major upheaval in how the courts treat the Capitol riot — and its alleged instigator
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
'Good riddance to the televised presidential debate'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why are Republicans trying to change Nebraska's Electoral College vote?
Today's Big Question It's a chance for Donald Trump to block Joe Biden's path to re-election
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
House GOP scuttles FISA vote at Trump's urging
Speed Read Right-wing lawmakers blocked Speaker Mike Johnson's surveillance bill
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
To win the election, Trump is changing how elections are run
Under The Radar While the former president campaigns for a second term in office, he and his team have quietly been working to tilt the nation's electoral rules in his favor.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'What a difference a judge makes'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published