Jeremy Corbyn has announced he will not attend a state banquet with Donald Trump and the Queen.
The Labour leader said Theresa May should “not be rolling out the red carpet” for the US president who “rips up vital international treaties, backs climate change denial and uses racist and misogynist rhetoric”.
“Maintaining an important relationship with the United States does not require the pomp and ceremony of a state visit. It is disappointing that the prime minister has again opted to kowtow to this US administration,” he said.
“I would welcome a meeting with President Trump to discuss all matters of interest.”
Buckingham Palace will host the US President for an official dinner when he visits the UK on June 3.
Corbyn’s decision comes after Lib Dem leader Vince Cable also turned down the invite from the Queen.
John Bercow, the Speaker of the Commons, has also decided not to attend, according to The Sun.
Trump’s visit, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, has been hailed by Theresa May as an opportunity to “reaffirm the steadfast and special relationship” between the UK and US.
Ahead of the visit, Trump once again highlighted a claim GCHQ – Britain’s electronic espionage agency – spied on his presidential election campaign.
The claim was immediately rejected by the intelligence agency as “utterly ridiculous”.
