Donald Trump has state visit to UK downgraded 'and will not be guest of the Queen'
Discussions of scaled-back trip come after threats of mass protests by opponents of the US President
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump is expected to make a scaled-back trip to the UK early next year, which would see him missing out on meeting the Queen.
The US President had been extended the honour of a full state visit after meeting Theresa May earlier this year, however diplomats are reportedly discussing plans for a “working trip” in 2018 where Mr Trump could be asked to open a new embassy in the UK.
The official invitation – which is traditionally reserved for a president’s second term in office – prompted threats of mass protests and boycotts over Mr Trump’s controversial record.
More than 1.8 million people signed a petition against the plans and Commons Speaker John Bercow told MPs that Mr Trump should not be allowed to address Parliament.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also opposed the visit, saying he was “not sure it is appropriate for our Government to roll out the red carpet” for Mr Trump.
The White House had to deny reports over the summer that Mr Trump wanted to delay his visit until he could be sure of a better reception.
In an effort to avoid controversy, Mr Trump’s planned visit will be a more low-key event where he would be a guest of the US ambassador Woody Johnson rather than Buckingham Palace, according to the London Evening Standard.
British and American officials insisted the full visit would still go ahead but refused to comment on claims his first trip to the UK as President would be a more muted affair.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Our position on the state visit has not changed – an offer has been extended and President Trump has accepted.
“Exact dates for President Trump to visit have not yet been arranged.”
A US Embassy spokesperson said: “There are currently no plans for a working-level visit.’’
The Prime Minister extended the invitation shortly after Mr Trump’s inauguration, when she was the first world leader to visit the new President in Washington.
Since then Mr Trump has made trips to a string of global capitals, spending Bastille Day with Emmanuel Macron in France, as well as trips to the Vatican and to Hamburg for G20 talks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments