UK party leader to boycott Trump state dinner over Gaza

A UK opposition party leader will boycott a banquet thrown by King Charles during Donald Trump's state visit to Britain next month over the US president's stance on the war in Gaza.

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said he wants to send a "strong message" by declining the invitation to the lavish dinner.

Trump is due to visit the UK from September 17 to 19 for an unprecedented second state visit, which will include a banquet thrown in his honour by the king.

"I feel a responsibility to do whatever I can to ensure the people in Gaza are not forgotten during the pomp and ceremony," Davey, leader of the third largest party in parliament, wrote in The Guardian on Wednesday.

"Boycotting the state banquet is not something I ever wanted to do, but I believe it is the only way I can send a message to both Trump and (UK Prime Minister Keir) Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish this away," he added.

"I have come to the conclusion that on this occasion I must refuse."

The opposition Conservative party criticised the decision as "an act of deep disrespect".

But Davey told BBC Radio 4 on Thursday "no disrespect is meant to the king".

Starmer presented the personal invitation from Charles to a delighted Trump during a visit to Washington in February.

The US leader's 2019 state visit was marred by large protests, and demonstrations are already planned for the forthcoming trip.

Several politicians, including then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, also boycotted Trump's state dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2019. 

AFP