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Queen Elizabeth IIState & Ceremonial

British politicians call for Donald Trump’s State Visit to be cancelled

A significant number of British MPs, including two party leaders, have called for Donald Trump’s State Visit to the United Kingdom to be cancelled following travel restrictions he has put in place to some immigrants.

The Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, has said that he is not happy for President Trump’s State Visit to go ahead while the controversial bans preventing people from entering the USA based on their country of origin are in place.

Speaking to Robert Peston, Mr Corbyn said: “I’m not happy with him coming here until that ban is lifted, quite honestly.”

He added: “It’s slightly odd he should be invited so quickly, particularly in view of the statements he’s made, and I suspect this visit is something that might find its way into the long grass.”

He also said that Buckingham Palace should “absolutely not rush” in making arrangements for the visit, which is expected to take place later this year.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, has also waded into the debate saying that Her Majesty’s invitation was “hasty”. He was also critical of Prime Minister, Theresa May, saying that Trump “can smell desperation from 3,000 miles away.”

Dr Sarah Wollaston, Conservative Chair of Health Select Committee, also released a statement, saying that if the visit does go ahead, the President shouldn’t be allowed to address both Houses of Parliament from Westminster Hall

“On his forthcoming State visit, I don’t think Trump should be invited to address both Houses of Parliament from Westminster Hall. Westminster Hall has great significance & should be reserved for leaders who have made an outstanding positive difference in the world. That doesn’t include Mr Trump.

“Those who wish to fawn over him should be free to do so in the Royal Gallery as normal. Not Westminster Hall thanks. Not really a story was it? Trump really is a sickening piece of work. That’s the story.”

The Queen invited Donald Trump to visit the UK on a State Visit earlier this week.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, confirmed at a press conference that President Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump, will be travelling to the country later this year.

It is likely that the President will stay at Windsor Castle, partly due to major refurbishment works that will be taking place at Buckingham Palace.

The controversy has deepened since the announcement, however, when Trump signed executive orders banning people who were born in certain countries from entering the US.

The blanket ban is believed to affect over half a billion people worldwide, including many famous faces such as Somali-born Sir Mo Farah, and Iraqi-born British MP, Nadhim Zahawi.

Although The Queen doesn’t personally decide who does and who doesn’t embark on State Visits to the UK, the government always sends invitations out in Her Majesty’s name.

The Queen, and members of The Royal Family will also be host to Mr Trump when he does visit Britain at some point in the next eleven months.

As a result, the 90-year-old Monarch and her family find themselves in the centre of this extraordinary diplomatic row.

Royal Central will be bringing you ongoing coverage on President Trump’s State Visit to the UK in the months to come.

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