Janice R. Andrews
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged King Charles to withhold a state visit invitation for former U.S. President Donald Trump until he commits to supporting Ukraine with military aid. With Mr. Trump set to be inaugurated on Monday, Sir Ed emphasized using the promise of a state visit to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Ukraine.
Speaking in London, Sir Ed underscored the appeal of Buckingham Palace’s pageantry to Mr. Trump, who, he claimed, would be eager for another royal banquet. “We all know he craves it,” Sir Ed remarked. “So we should offer it—but only if he delivers on what’s crucial for Britain and Europe’s security.”
Leveraging Britain’s Diplomatic Power
Sir Ed proposed making Mr. Trump’s state visit contingent on meaningful action, calling for a UK-hosted summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders. The goal: to devise a plan for utilizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Sir Ed insisted that Britain should extend its hospitality only if Mr. Trump commits to pushing these measures through Congress.
The Liberal Democrat leader highlighted Mr. Trump’s admiration for ceremonial events, pointing to his 2019 state visit hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, which included formal engagements at Buckingham Palace. “We have leverage,” Sir Ed stated. “The pageantry of a state visit is something Trump desperately wants. Let’s ensure he earns it by supporting Ukraine.”
Concerns Over Trump’s Stance on Ukraine
Sir Ed’s remarks come amid apprehensions about Mr. Trump’s past comments and actions related to Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Trump has previously lauded Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of two separatist regions in Ukraine as “genius” and has shown hesitancy in firmly backing NATO’s initiatives. Such positions have raised concerns across Europe about the potential trajectory of his foreign policy.
“This is about more than Ukraine,” Sir Ed said. “It’s about securing Europe’s stability and protecting Britain’s interests.”
Strategic Allies Beyond the U.S.
Sir Ed also called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to prioritize alliances with European nations and Commonwealth partners, given the uncertainty surrounding U.S. leadership under Mr. Trump. He urged the government to pursue a UK-EU customs union by 2030 as part of a broader post-Brexit reset.
“For the next four years, the U.K. cannot depend on the U.S. for consistent support in defense or economic matters,” he said. “We need to strengthen our ties with other allies to ensure stability.”
A Conditional Invitation
The Liberal Democrat leader argued that Britain must approach Mr. Trump’s presidency strategically. He proposed that a state visit should only follow significant commitments, such as securing U.S. support for redirecting frozen Russian assets to Ukraine’s military.
“This is our opportunity to compel Trump to take action that benefits Britain and Europe’s defense,” Sir Ed emphasized. “Only then should we consider rolling out the red carpet for him.”
Trump’s Potential Global Impact
Sir Ed characterized Mr. Trump’s return to power as a risk to global peace and prosperity, describing his leadership as unpredictable and detrimental to international security. However, he acknowledged that the U.K. has no choice but to engage with Mr. Trump during his term.
“The question isn’t whether we deal with Donald Trump—we must,” Sir Ed stated. “The question is how we approach it to ensure our interests are safeguarded.”
By tying Mr. Trump’s state visit to his support for Ukraine, Sir Ed aims to use Britain’s diplomatic influence to promote stability in Europe while addressing the challenges posed by the incoming U.S. administration.
