British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Friday that he will skip an upcoming state dinner with President TrumpDonald John TrumpPresenting the 2020 Democratic bracket The time has come for the Democrats to act, finally DHS expedites border wall replacement in Arizona, Texas MORE.
“[British Prime Minister] Theresa MayTheresa Mary May Jeremy Corbyn to skip Trump state dinner in UK A bird’s-eye view of the economy offers info on looming threats The Hill’s Morning Report – Boeing crisis a test for Trump administration MORE should not be rolling out the red carpet for a state visit to honour a President who rips up vital international treaties, backs climate change denial and uses racist and misogynist rhetoric,” Corbyn said in a statement.
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He added that maintaining a good relationship with the U.S. does not “require the pomp and ceremony of a State Visit” and expressed disappointment in May’s willingness to “kowtow” to the Trump administration.
“I would welcome a meeting with President Trump to discuss all matters of interest,” Corbyn said.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Corbyn’s statement.
Other prominent British politicians, including House of Commons Speaker John Bercow and Liberal Democrat party leader Sir Vince Cable, have also declined invitations to the state dinner, according to the BBC.
The White House announced Tuesday that Trump had accepted Queen Elizabeth II’s invitation for a state visit in June. He is scheduled to participate in a meeting with May and attend D-Day anniversary ceremonies commemorating the Allied invasion of Europe during World War II.