Not a State Visit after all: Trump junket to UK is downgraded
Donald Trump is to make a visit to the UK next year, but it will not be a full-blown State Visit [Image: AFP].
It’s a stay of punishment really, because the State Visit has only been delayed.
Considering Mr Trump’s behaviour, though, it’s possible he will do something utterly unforgivable that will put a State Visit out of the question before he has a chance to turn up.
That would probably be a relief for everybody here.
Donald Trump is set to visit Britain early in 2018 – but for a stripped-down trip that will not include staying with the Queen.
Diplomats are discussing plans for a “working visit” by the US president that will be shorn of the pomp and flummery of a full-blown State Visit.
And instead of a red carpet event to showcase the special relationship, it is likely to form part of a tour of several countries by Mr Trump.
The downgrading of Mr Trump’s first trip as President to the UK follows the huge controversy when Theresa May tried to steal a march on other world leaders by offering a State Visit as guest of the Queen that was intended to take place this summer, breaching a convention that the honour is usually reserved for a president’s second term.
There were threats of boycotts and mass protests when the VIP treatment was announced – with Commons Speaker John Bercow declaring that the President would not be allowed to address the House of Commons.
The visit was then postponed indefinitely, although the invitation is expected to be taken up at some stage.
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A good start. Perhaps we can keep him out of the country altogether.
A little ray of sunshine