Zöe Franklin is supporting the Liberal Democrats formal urgent call in Parliament that the King’s state visit to the United States next month is cancelled

Zöe Franklin said “A State Visit is the highest diplomatic show of respect our country can offer. Since launching the illegal war against Iran and destabilising the entire Middle East, President Trump has insulted our veterans, our service personnel who lost their lives in Iraq, our Prime Minister and our country.   

“Yes, the King as our Head of State visiting Donald Trump as the equivalent figure in the US is a purely diplomatic exercise, entirely separate from the workings of daily politics and elected representatives. 

“But this subtlety would be lost on President Trump. He would see just what he wants to see: The King honouring him, and a show of Britain’s support for what he’s doing in the Middle East and his increasingly authoritarian domestic policies. 

Zöe Franklin is supporting a statement calling on the Prime Minister to advise that the King’s visit is cancelled. The Liberal Democrats are asking MPs from all parties to support the motion. 

Zöe continued: “We cannot have the King doing anything that could be seen as our country validating President Trump, who has ignited instability in the Middle East, caused chaos to the world’s economy, and sent our energy bills spiralling upwards for as long as his illegal war continues. 

“President Trump has caused lasting harm, and we should have no part in tacitly showing support or pandering to his ego. 

“The Prime Minister must act. Next month’s state visit must be cancelled.”