Keir Starmer has been urged to reconsider Donald Trump’s state visit invitation to the UK following his heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office yesterday – but what do you think?
Keir Starmer is facing calls to cancel Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK following his heated showdown with Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday – and we want to hear your thoughts.
It comes after the two Presidents engaged in an extraordinary clash at the Oval Office on Friday, 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 vile 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 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.”
Now, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie has called on Starmer to rethink plans for Mr Trump’s state visit to the UK, after being presented with an “unprecedented” invitation on Thursday. Mr Harvie said: “The invitation for a state visit should never have been made in the first place, and it is time for it to be withdrawn.
“It must be obvious how much danger there is in it, both for Starmer’s government and for the country. All democratic leaders need to stand up to Trump and the toxic, hateful and authoritarian politics that he represents.”
The PM has broken his silence following the public clash, as Downing Street released a statement which read: “The Prime Minister has tonight spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky.
“He retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.” Since the heated exchange, Mr Zelensky has voiced that it is “very important” that Ukraine is “heard and not forgotten”.
Writing on Telegram, he penned: “People in Ukraine need to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world .” Zelensky has arrived in London earlier than expected, as his presidential plane was seen arriving at Stansted Airport this morning, having flown overnight from the US.
And Downing Street confirmed he would meet with Starmer today. It comes as the fallout casts new doubts over how much the US will continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s invasion.
Following yesterday’s furious meeting, we want to know if you think Trump’s state visit to the UK should be cancelled. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.