US President Donald Trump is due to make his second state visit to the United Kingdom next month, but the occasion has already sparked political tension. While King Charles is preparing to host a state dinner in honour of the visit, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has confirmed he will not be attending, a decision that has drawn both support and criticism.
Ed Davey Explains His Decision
Trump and First Lady Melania will travel to the UK from 17 to 19 September, where the state dinner at Buckingham Palace is expected to be one of the highlights. But Davey, who has long been outspoken in his criticism of the former president, said he could not in good conscience attend.
Speaking to The Guardian, the politician admitted he had “thought and prayed long and hard” before coming to his decision, describing the invitation as “an enormous honour” and noting that refusing it went against his instincts. “Boycotting the state dinner is not something I ever wanted to do,” he explained. “But I have come to the conclusion that on this occasion I must refuse.”
Davey said his choice was motivated by the situation in Gaza, arguing that no one seemed prepared to confront Trump with the “power to stop the horrifying starvation, death and captivities” in the region. While acknowledging that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was right to meet with Trump, Davey said he wished Starmer would be “tougher” in pressing him on these issues.
“This is the only way I can send a message to both Trump and Starmer that they cannot close their eyes and wish this away,” he added.
Accusations of “Disrespect” Toward the King
Not everyone has welcomed Davey’s boycott. UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel condemned the move as “an act of deep disrespect to His Majesty the King,” calling it “appalling judgement” at a time when the United States remains Britain’s closest ally and largest security partner. “Ed Davey has proved he is not a serious leader,” she argued, accusing him of being “more interested in pathetic gesture politics.”
In response, a Liberal Democrat spokesperson defended Davey, insisting the decision was not made lightly and that he “deeply respects the King.” Davey himself also clarified his position in an interview with the BBC, stressing that he meant “no disrespect” to Charles and had even written to the monarch personally to explain his reasoning.
A Visit Under Scrutiny
The controversy underscores how divisive Trump’s visit remains in the UK. While the official itinerary is still set to go ahead, the political fallout has already begun, with Davey’s boycott positioning him as one of the most high-profile figures to openly refuse the royal invitation.