Amid protests, UK lawmakers debate downgrading Trump visit
LONDON — Thousands of protesters against U.S. President Donald Trump rallied outside Britain’s Parliament on Monday, while lawmakers inside urged the government to rescind its offer to the president of a state visit stamped with pomp, pageantry and royal approval.
In a passionate debate that’s unlikely to change the British government’s position, Trump was labeled a misogynist, a bigot and a “petulant child” by opposition legislators. They argued that a state visit planned for later this year will demean the U.K. and Queen Elizabeth II, the president’s official host.
Conservative lawmakers, however, said revoking the invitation would do far more harm. Tory lawmaker Edward Leigh said cancelling the state visit would be “catastrophic” to the trans-Atlantic relationship.
“He is the duly elected president of the United States. … It would be a disaster if this invitation is rescinded,” Leigh said.