Britain's opposition party leaders set to boycott Trump state banquet

Labour, Lib Dems and SNP say they will boycott the state banquet held for the US President in June

Britain’s main opposition leader, says he has declined an invitation to attend a state dinner with Donald Trump during the president’s visit to Britain in June. AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Britain’s Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will boycott a state banquet hosting US President Donald Trump, joining a number of politicians and political figures opposed to the visit.

Mr Corbyn said on Friday that “pomp and ceremony” greeting the arrival of President Trump’s UK visit in June was not needed.

He accused the US president of “racist and misogynistic rhetoric”.

“Theresa May 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,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“Maintaining an important relationship with the United States does not require the pomp and ceremony of a state visit. It is disappointing that the prime minister has again opted to kowtow to this US administration.”

Mr Corbyn added that he would “welcome a meeting with President Trump to discuss all matters of interest.”

SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford and Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable have also declined invites to attend the state banquet.

House of Commons speaker John Bercow will not be attending the meal, and has previously voiced concern about Mr Trump’s views.

Both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be official guests of the Queen.

It remains unclear as to whether President Trump will address Britain’s parliament in a speech.

His visit to the UK last year sparked protests which included a large 'baby Trump' balloon held by protestors.