Donald Trump's state dinner with King Charles in UK 'boycotted' by politician Ed Davey
The state dinner takes place next monthDonald Trump may have an upcoming state dinner with King Charles, but politician Ed Davey is said to be “boycotting” it.
Last month, it was revealed that US President Donald Trump will attend a second state visit to the UK in September.
He, along with his wife, First Lady Melania, will be in the UK from September 17 to 19.
Despite some backlash over the visit, it appears to be going ahead. But Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has turned down an invitation for the state dinner. However, the decision has led some to believe he is “disrespecting” King Charles.
Sir Ed Davey declines invite to Donald Trump state dinner
Sir Ed Davey has always been vocal in his disapproval of Donald Trump. And it seems that disapproval has led to him not attending the state dinner in September.
He told The Guardian that he had “thought and prayed long and hard” about whether or not he should attend.
Boycotting the state dinner is not something I ever wanted to do.
Ed penned: “I have come to the conclusion that on this occasion I must refuse.”
He did recognise what an “enormous honour” it was to be invited, and assured everyone he takes his duty “very seriously”.
The politician added: “To refuse an invitation like this goes against all of my instincts.”
Why is Ed Davey not going?
His main reasoning for declining the invite was because “nobody” will take the opportunity to “remind” Trump that he has the “power to stop the horrifying starvation, death and captivities in Gaza”.
Ed admitted he thinks Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is right to speak to Trump, but wishes he would be “tougher” with him on “everything”.
“Boycotting the state dinner is not something I ever wanted to do. But I believe it is the only way I can send a message to both Trump and Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish this away” Ed added.
His decision has been deemed ‘disrespectful’ to King Charles
However, his comments have gone down well with everyone, as Ed Davey is now being accused of “disrespecting” King Charles.
UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel has slammed the politician for declining his invitation.
Responding to the news, Dame Priti said: “It’s an act of deep disrespect to His Majesty the king. It shows appalling judgement. America is our closest ally and security partner. And the world’s biggest economy.”
Priti went on to slam Ed for “proving he is not a serious leader” as he seems “more interested in pathetic gesture politics”.
However, another Liberal Democrat has responded to Priti’s comments. They told GB News that Ed “deeply respects the king” and the decision wasn’t “made lightly”.
Meanwhile, Sir Ed himself told the BBC he meant “no disrespect” to the monarch and had “written to him personally” about his decision.
Read more: King Charles ‘appalled’ by Donald Trump’s remarks as monarch ‘concerned’ for UK state visit
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