JEREMY Corbyn has become the latest senior politician to snub Donald Trump by announcing he will not attend the state banquet for the US President during the long-awaited state visit in June.
The Labour leader said Theresa May was wrong to “kowtow” to Mr Trump, who had torn up international treaties and used “racist and misogynist rhetoric”.
In a statement, Mr Corbyn said he would, however, be prepared to meet the President during his stay to discuss “all matters of interest”.
He explained:
“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.”
The Labour leader insisted that maintaining an important relationship with the US did not require the pomp and ceremony of a state visit.
“It is disappointing that the PM has again opted to kowtow to this US administration,” declared Mr Corbyn, adding: “I would welcome a meeting with President Trump to discuss all matters of interest.”
Earlier this week, Sir Vince Cable and John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, made clear they would not be attending the state banquet.
Stressing his rejection of the invitation meant “no disrespect” to the Queen, the Liberal Democrat leader made clear British politicians should not be “hobnobbing with a man who is on record as a misogynist and a racist”.
Mr Bercow’s office declined to give a reason for his non-attendance.
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, would also be expected to have received an invitation as the leader of the third party in the Commons. The party has been approached to see if he will or will not be attending the state banquet.
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