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Donald Trump has state visit to UK downgraded 'and will not be guest of the Queen'

Downgrade comes after threats of mass protests by opponents

Jon Sharman an hour ago
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-trump-state-visit-uk-no-queen-visit-working-downgrade-tour-us-president-latest-a7994356.html

Donald Trump’s planned state visit to the UK in 2018 has been downgraded to a “working visit”, likely forming part of a multi-country tour, it has been reported.

It means the billionaire will not be a guest of the Queen, as was previously envisaged.

Theresa May’s offer of a state visit to the first-term President was greeted with the threat of mass protests by opponents.

Mr Trump’s visit will now take place without the glitz and pomp of a full state visit, the Evening Standard reported.

A state visit was also opposed by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who said he was “not sure it is appropriate for our government to roll out the red carpet” for Mr Trump.

Hundreds of thousands of people had signed a petition against the plan.

In July senior Government sources told The Independent the state visit was still planned for 2018 despite the outrage.

Sources told the Standard this week a state visit was now being considered for a later, as-yet-undetermined, stage.

During the summer, the White House denied reports that Mr Trump wanted to delay his visit until he could be sure of a better reception, following a phone call with Theresa May.

The President’s spokesman said: “The subject never came up.”

At the time, Downing Street maintained there had been “no change” to plans for a state visit.

On Wednesday, Theresa May’s office said she was not aware of plans for a “working visit”, and said the position on the state visit had not changed. The offer had been extended, accepted by Mr Trump, and no dates had been arranged.

A spokesman for the US Embassy said: “There are currently no plans for a working-level visit.’’

The Prime Minister extended her invitation in January, shortly after Mr Trump’s inauguration. She was the first world leader to visit the new president in Washington.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/donald-trump-state-visit-uk-no-queen-visit-working-downgrade-tour-us-president-latest-a7994356.html