Keir Starmer is under pressure to rethink Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK after his fiery clash with Volodymyr Zelensky – and Mirror readers didn’t hold back on their opinions about rolling out the red carpet for a leader who’s stirring up such global tension
The UK’s long-standing tradition of hosting world leaders for state visits is a momentous occasion, but should it really be granted in the face of troubling behaviour?
Keir Starmer has been urged to reconsider Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit following his recent heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office. This latest diplomatic episode raises serious concerns about the former president’s conduct on the world stage. With tensions mounting and the implications of his actions reverberating globally, it begs the question: is it wise for the UK to honour him with a state visit?
Trump was first invited for a formal state welcome by the Queen back in January 2017, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2019 that he took up the offer. If he visits for a second time, he’ll be the first elected politician in modern history to be hosted for two state visits by the Royals.
It’s something the erratic president-elect has made no secret of wanting – but after Friday’s bullish display in Washington, we asked if you thought Donald Trump’s visit should be cancelled? A whopping 40,567 said yes it should, while just 6,598 were happy for it to still go ahead.
Many of you commented on our story, here’s what just some of you had to say – and there’s still time to add your vote to our poll here and have your say in the comments section:
If you can’t see the poll, click here
Ostara112: “All the polls show that 80% of Americans are appalled at Trump/Vance’s treatment of Zelensky. I’m sure they’ll understand.”
Lajjop: “He [Trump] is not welcome here. He should never have had an invite.”
Shutupayouface1: “It should now be formally rescinded by the Palace until further notice.”
JackNoalHoff: “We need to treat the USA as a hostile nation while Trump and his cronies are in power. So the invitation to visit should be withdrawn.”
Morons: “Nothing will be achieved by cancelling it. We need to show we are the better person.”
Energiser999: “Let him come, then lock the palace gates.”
Whitewolf69: “Trump did nothing wrong but god forbid anyone have a different opinion to the far left. They are meant to be peaceful people, but [if you] have a different opinion to them, all they do is throw insults. Not very nice people at all.”
Rabbit10: “I don’t think the visit should be cancelled, he [Trump] certainly won’t talk like that to the King. Trump is in a position of power, he loves America. Anything spoken against America will get a short sharp answer. You take him as you find him.”
Stewart 40: “President Zelensky should be given a state visit, not Trump.”
Grandad2015: “Insult a head-of-state and you insult the people. Therefore the invitation has been made and should be honoured. America is already waking up to the horror it has created, but it is their democracy, their choice, and they will fix it.”
Latbualuang: “The palace have far more subtle ways to prevent Trump enjoying a state visit than outright cancelling it.”
On Friday the two presidents engaged in an extraordinary clash at the Oval Office, where the erratic Republican accused Mr Zelensky of being “disrespectful” and “gambling with World War 3”. In front of the world’s media, the pair and vice president JD Vance repeatedly interrupted each during a discussion on peace talks, and Zelensky left without signing a critical minerals deal with the US.
The Ukrainian leader’s departure came after Mr Trump cut short talks following the clash, where the President told Mr Zelensky he “didn’t have the cards” to win the war without the United States. And he issued Ukraine’s President with an ultimatum: “You either make a deal, or we’re out.”
During his explosive tirade, Mr Trump said: “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people,” before adding: “You’re gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”
But Mr Zelensky warned Trump that promises of peace from Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. He called the Russian leader a killer and a terrorist and told Trump there should be “no compromises with a killer.”
