A coalition of British Members of Parliament (MPs) and peers is actively campaigning to block U.S. President Donald Trump from addressing Parliament during his anticipated state visit to the United Kingdom in September. The group cites concerns over President Trump’s past remarks and policies, arguing that they render such an address inappropriate.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, a former minister in Tony Blair’s government, has formally requested that Lord Speaker Lord McFall and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle deny President Trump the opportunity to speak in Westminster Hall. In his communication, Lord Foulkes referenced President Trump’s attitudes toward the UK, parliamentary democracy, NATO, and Ukraine, asserting that these positions are incompatible with the honor of addressing both Houses of Parliament.
Labour MP Kate Osborne has also appealed to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, urging him to follow the precedent set by his predecessor, John Bercow, who opposed a similar address by President Trump during his previous term. Osborne emphasized that granting such a platform would be inappropriate given President Trump’s controversial statements and actions.
The opposition to President Trump’s potential address comes amid ongoing efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to secure a trade agreement with the United States. While some Labour MPs are cautious about publicly criticizing the U.S. president to avoid jeopardizing trade negotiations, others maintain that President Trump’s behavior disqualifies him from addressing the UK’s democratic institutions.
Historically, only a select group of foreign leaders and monarchs have been invited to speak before both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, including U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan. The decision to grant such an honor typically involves consultation among key parliamentary figures, including the Lords Speaker and the Commons Speaker.
As discussions continue, the UK government faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic relations with the United States against domestic concerns over President Trump’s potential address to Parliament.
