Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will boycott Donald Trump's state banquet next month, sparking accusations he is disrespecting King Charles. The boycott centres on Davey's protest over Trump's perceived inaction on the Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Trump is scheduled for an unprecedented second state visit to Britain from September 17-19, hosted by the King and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The visit will include a full ceremonial welcome and state banquet in St George's Hall.
Royal protocol controversy
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel accused Davey of "an act of deep disrespect" to the King and "appalling judgement". She criticised the Liberal Democrat leader for what she called "pathetic gesture politics" towards America, Britain's closest ally.
Davey defended his decision, insisting "no disrespect is meant to the King". He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he had written personally to the King and emphasised his respect for the monarchy.
Gaza reasoning
The Liberal Democrat leader said he and his wife had "prayed about" the decision before announcing the boycott. Davey, who describes himself as a regular churchgoer, said his Christian faith influenced his political decisions on this issue.
Davey argued Trump has the power to end the Gaza crisis immediately. He said: "If Donald Trump tells Benjamin Netanyahu to stop this, it ends tomorrow. If Donald Trump uses his influence over Qatar and the other Gulf states that Hamas relies on, all the hostages could come home tomorrow."
Historical precedent
Trump's first state banquet in 2019 was similarly boycotted by then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and then-Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable. Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford and former Commons Speaker John Bercow also declined to attend.
HuffPost UK reports that Davey had indicated three months ago he would attend to avoid disrespecting the monarch, marking a significant shift in his position. The Liberal Democrat leader now argues the boycott is "the one way I can send a message to Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they can't close their eyes and wish this away."
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "HuffPost UK", "Independent" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
