UK lawmakers resist parliamentary address by Donald Trump amid controversy

Department of Research and Strategic Studies and International Relations  21-04-2025

A growing number of British MPs and peers have voiced strong objections to the possibility of Donald Trump addressing Parliament during an upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, citing his controversial stance on the UK, NATO, and Ukraine.

Speculation has arisen that the former U.S. president is planning a return visit to Britain as early as September, with Trump himself suggesting that Buckingham Palace is in the process of arranging the details. However, the idea of him speaking at Westminster has ignited opposition among members of both Houses of Parliament.

A confidential message obtained by The Times and sent to Lord McFall of Alcluith, the current Lord Speaker, urged him and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to reject any proposal for Trump to speak in the historic setting of Westminster Hall, a privilege granted in the past to figures such as Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. The message expressed concern over Trump’s past statements about the UK and NATO, as well as his ambiguous position on Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The effort to block such an address is reportedly being led by Lord Foulkes, a member of the House of Lords and a former minister in Tony Blair’s government. He emphasized that while governments must engage diplomatically with foreign leaders, Parliament itself has a moral obligation not to provide a platform for someone who undermines democratic institutions and disrespects the rule of law.

“Trump’s reluctance to clearly denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is deeply troubling,” Lord Foulkes stated. “Every political party in Westminster has condemned the invasion, and it would send the wrong message to welcome someone who fails to do the same.”

Labour MP Kate Osborne has also taken a firm stance, reportedly writing to Speaker Hoyle urging him to uphold the precedent set by his predecessor, John Bercow, who previously denied Trump the opportunity to address Parliament during his presidency. Osborne reportedly expressed that allowing such a speech would be inconsistent with parliamentary values and traditions.

While a second state visit for Trump is anticipated, it appears that traditional venues such as Balmoral or Dumfries House have been ruled out. Current plans suggest the engagement will be held at Windsor Castle, in line with past precedents for U.S. presidents in their second terms, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who were hosted for tea or lunch with the monarch.

Labour leader Keir Starmer personally delivered an invitation from King Charles to Trump earlier this year, describing the gesture as “historic.” Speaking recently from the Oval Office, Trump described the upcoming visit as a “beautiful fest” and expressed admiration for the British royal family, referring to King Charles and Prince William with affection and respect.

Despite this, resistance within Parliament appears firm, with a significant number of lawmakers determined to draw a line between diplomatic courtesy and political endorsement.