OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Maggie Nelmes, Ventnor. Ed
There are currently two petitions on this issue gaining momentum online – one calling on King Charles and Keir Starmer to reconsider any invitation for Trump to make a second state visit to the UK, the other urging the Speaker of the House to prevent Trump from addressing members of Parliament.
No Second State Visit for Trump | 38 Degrees
A state visit is our country’s highest honour, traditionally granted to heads of state with whom the UK has strong diplomatic ties. It involves significant ceremonial elements and costs taxpayers a substantial sum.
Kier Starmer appears to view it as a diplomatic tool, with speculation that he hopes it will strengthen the UK’s position in global affairs, particularly in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, many critics believe that such an invitation would be a mistake, particularly given concerns about Trump’s approach to foreign policy.
Since taking office, Trump has alarmed many international observers by:
- Adopting a stance on Ukraine that appears more favourable to Putin, including publicly questioning the level of US support for Ukraine, which has raised concerns about European security. His recent comments about Zelensky on American television have been widely interpreted as an attempt to justify a shift in US military aid policy. Critics fear this could embolden Putin’s ambitions in the region.
- Backing the Israeli government’s military actions in Gaza, with some of his past statements suggesting strong support for policies that critics argue could exacerbate tensions in the region.
- Threatening increased tariffs on trade with neighbouring countries, including Canada and Mexico, which has led to fears of a trade war that could disrupt international markets. I understand that he has expressed interest in acquiring both Canada and Greenland, though Denmark made it clear that Greenland was not for sale.
- Proposing significant cuts to US international aid, which many believe could increase instability in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. (The UK has announced cuts in its own aid budget to pay for increased defence spending for European security.)
- Rolling back environmental commitments by announcing policies that favour fossil fuel expansion, a move that has drawn criticism from climate advocates.
Keep Trump out of Parliament — ActionStorm
Supporters of this petition are calling on Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to refuse Trump the opportunity to address members of the House of Commons and the Lords, following the precedent set by John Bercow during Trump’s previous state visit. Many believe that allowing such an address would be inappropriate, given concerns about his political record and past statements.
Opponents of a state visit argue that the cost to taxpayers—particularly in relation to security—would be significant, and large protests would be expected. Additionally, given recent concerns over protest restrictions, some fear that our people’s democratic right to demonstrate could be denied, as it was on the occasion of Trump’s first state visit.
Sign the petitions
Please join me in signing these petitions.
