Political reporter
Getty imagesLiberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davi has said that he would boycott Donald Trump’s banquet next month to “send a message” to the US President on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Sir Ed said that it went against his “instinct” to reject the invitation to the king, described it as “respect”.
But he said that Trump’s influence on Israel, Qatar and other Gulf states meant “he has the power to stop horrific starvation and death in Gaza and release the hostages”.
Trump and his wife Melania will be organized by King Charles and Queen Camilla for the US President’s second state visit from 17 to 19 September, including a banquet at St. George Hall in Windsor Castle.
About 150 guests are usually invited to the grand dinner, from politicians and diplomats to religious leaders and celebrities.
As the leader of the third largest party in the UK, Sir Ed has earlier participated in several state banquets, including French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit last month.
Sir Ed said: “Emily and I have spent all the summer thinking about it and have prayed about it. There is no respect like invitation to the king, not against all our tendencies to accept his invitation.
“But I am afraid that we may have a situation where Donald Trump comes in our country, one of our best palaces is awarded a grand dinner, yet no one remembers him that he has the power to stop the terrible starvation and death in Gaza and release the bondage.
“If Donald Trump tells [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu to stop it, it ends tomorrow. If Donald Trump uses his influence on Qatar and other Gulf states, depending on Hamas, all the hostages can come home tomorrow.
“Boycotting the banquet is a way that I can send a message to Donald Trump and Kir starrer that they cannot close their eyes and remove it. We have to speak, act. Donald Trump will have to work to end this humanistic crisis.”
PA mediaTrump has consistently supported Netanyahu during the struggle but Last month admitted that Gaza had “real starvation”Some Israel have refused.
The United Nations has said that Gaza has “man -made” famine, accusing Israel of restricting the amount of aid in entering the region.
Israel has dismissed claims that it is responsible for food shortage.
Israel’s army launched a campaign in Gaza on 7 October 2023 in response to a Hamas -led attack on Southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and 251 others were taken hostage.
According to the health ministry of the region, at least 62,819 people have been killed in Gaza since then.
Trump was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for a state trip in 2019, during his first term in the office.
The Prime Minister Sir Kir Stmper has described the second invitation as “historical” and “unprecedented”.
Traditionally, the second-period presidents are not offered to visit the state and instead have been invited for tea or lunch with the emperor.
While his full ceremony will be welcomed, Trump will not get an opportunity to address MPs as the House of Commons breaks down for the annual party conference season a day before coming to Britain.
In 2019, the then Lib Dame Leader Sir Vince Cable refused to attend Trump’s kingdom banquet, saying that British politicians should not have “a hobby with a person who is on record as a misunderstanding and racist”.
The then Labor Leader Jeremy Corbin and Commons Speaker John Burco There were also people who rejected their invitation,
