Donald Trump just made a surprise move that’s getting everyone fired up! Buckingham Palace is “penciling in a date for September” for his expected trip to the United Kingdom. The visit is now moving to Windsor Castle! This represents an exhilarating change of pace from the former locations of Balmoral and Dumfries House. In addition to engaging with citizens during his trip, we hope to see Mr. Trump meet with parliamentarians. This proposal has ignited deep and broad dissent within the UK Parliament.
Labour Lord Foulkes is spearheading the effort to prevent Trump from speaking to Parliament. He says the UK Parliament should not be rolling out the red carpet to a leader who he accuses of being “anti-democratic” and of contempt for Parliament that “flouts the courts and the rule of law.” In fact, many other parliamentarians feel this way. They are right to be worried about rolling out the red carpet and giving Trump a platform at the Palace of Westminster, a building that is supposed to welcome only those who strongly consider themselves to upholding democratic values.
Traditionally, second-term U.S. presidents that have executed a state visit are greeted with a full-blown celebration. On many occasions, they’re invited to tea or luncheon with the monarch herself in Windsor Castle. His successors, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, observed this era. Trump’s visit, then, would have fit perfectly within expected diplomatic norms. The invitation for Trump to speak before Parliament breaks from that tradition.
Labour MP Kate Osborne has actively sought to ensure that the Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, opposes Trump’s address, citing the former speaker John Bercow’s stance on similar issues. As a matter of principle, she’s committed to not allowing Trump to address the convention at all. She cites his previous comments on the UK and its parliamentary democracy as justification for her position.
“If it is suggested that he be invited to address both Houses of Parliament, I hope that you and Lindsay will suggest that would be inappropriate on this occasion because of his attitude towards and comments about the UK, parliamentary democracy, the Nato alliance and Ukraine.” – Lord McFall of Alcluith
He called it as a “truly historic” personal invitation from King Charles. As Trump himself touted his upcoming visit as a “fest,” this momentous, unprecedented event is expected to be something spectacular.
“They’re going to do a second, as you know, a second fest … that’s what it is: a fest, and it’s beautiful, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened to one person.” – Donald Trump
As planning for Trump’s visit goes forward, the discussion about whether or not he should be allowed to address Parliament continues to rage. It raises larger issues about the nature and consequences of inviting leaders with governance styles that run counter to our long-standing commitment to democratic norms.