Keir Starmer has been urged to advise King Charles to abandon a planned visit to the United States next month amid a growing diplomatic dispute between London and Washington over the conflict involving Iran.
The monarch is scheduled to travel across the Atlantic as part of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain.
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However, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the visit should not proceed given the deteriorating relationship between the US president and the British prime minister during the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Tensions escalated after Donald Trump reportedly reacted angrily when Starmer initially declined a request for American aircraft to launch strikes on Iran from bases in the UK.
UK-US Tensions Rise Over Use Of RAF Bases In Iran Conflict
The prime minister later approved the use of British bases after Iranian strikes began targeting other countries in the Middle East, raising fears that around 300,000 British nationals in the region could be at risk.
Britain has also strengthened its military presence by deploying a warship and an aircraft carrier to the area.
In a sharp criticism of Starmer on Saturday night, Trump said: “We will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won.”
Ed Davey Calls For State Visit To Be Called Off
Ed Davey said the prime minister should advise the monarch to cancel the planned state visit.
“Keir Starmer should advise the King that the state visit to the US scheduled for April should be called off,” he said.
“At a time when Trump has launched an illegal war that is devastating the Middle East and pushing up energy bills for British families, it’s clear this visit should not go ahead.
“A state visit from our King would be seen as yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump, so it should not be given to someone who repeatedly insults and damages our country.”
Starmer And Trump Speak After Diplomatic Row
Davey’s remarks followed the first phone conversation between Starmer and Trump since tensions between the two leaders intensified.
According to a Downing Street summary of the call: “The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self-defence of partners in the region.
“The prime minister also shared his heartfelt condolences with President Trump and the American people following the deaths of six US soldiers. They looked forward to speaking again soon.”
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