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Amid protests, UK lawmakers debate downgrading Trump visit

34 Comments
By JILL LAWLESS

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The Balmoral private golf course might suffer an untimely moss incursion, for another example.

I don't think Trump will be going to Scotland, he's not exactly popular there:

“I think Scotland has had a wee bit more time to become accustomed to what a bawbag Trump is. I’m glad the rest of the world is catching up now

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamieross/the-ballooning-of-donald-trump?utm_term=.wsxy9Rmr6g#.roN32pYxPz

Bawbag, a marvellous word and so apt.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

I don't think Trump will be going to Scotland, he's not exactly popular there:

I think he will. The problem is, even in Europe people as in the US that voted for Trump or really want a change to the far extreme right are gaining ground and tired of these globalist tree huggers, but many of them are silent. What happened with Brexit and the US is huge indicator that this domino affect is not going to stop

You do realise that Scotland voted overwhelmingly (62%/38%) against Brexit, and that the Scottish Parliament recently voted 90/34 against triggering Article 50?

As for a state visit for Trump - it's a ridiculous idea and May was a total dimblehead for issuing the invitation so soon into the presidency - there have only been two others, and they had to wait years for the honour. But now the invitation has been made, withdrawing it would be a further show of incompetency.

Politicians do best when they don't do nothing.

The Independent is reporting that any visit is likely to take place in August or September when the MPs are either on holiday or in their constituencies, so there will be no addressing of Parliament by Trump.

Pity Her Majesty won't be able to use the excuse of being on holiday. Word is the Don is asking to play golf with her/on her private course in Scotland. And he wants tea in Buck House.

All pomp, no substance.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Welcome to (Trump's) America! A schoolteacher from Wales accompanying his students on a trip to the US was removed from his plane during a transit at Reykjavik despite his British nationality and valid travel documents. Wait - I know what the problem was! He's a mathematics teacher, and we all know how Trump feels about math.

(No doubt his religion played no role in the case.)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/feb/20/british-muslim-teacher-denied-entry-to-us-on-school-trip

Should the leader of a country who designs and executes such policies be granted the privilege of speaking to Parliament, regardless of which country he's from? Our cousins from across the pond will have to think deeply on this one.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

After listening to the debate, it's obvious why Trump is not welcome to address Parliament despite conservatives support for the visit. It has everything to do with the man named Trump and how he conducts himself. It has nothing to do with the office of the President.

This is exactly why there is so much opposition to Trump in this country. Many, many people have a viseral disgust for how he conducts himself and how he degrades anyone who disagrees with him. He's brought it on himself and American citizens who oppose Trump are validated by similar reactions across the world. The British just have a way of making the case perfectly.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

I wonder how many of these 1.8 million people were actually Democrats, or Hillary supporters, from the U.S.A.?

I wonder how many of these protesters were actual British subjects? How many were expatriate Americans trying to tell the British how they should act in their own country?

Well that's easy: none.

To be honest, there are a lot of Tories who are partial to Trump's ideas.

Trump has ideas?

Anyway, he is not addressing parliament now thank goodness. It would be great if a minor yet debilitating health issue came up and prevented Liz from attending any events. I agree it would be dangerous to upset the immature oaf by officially withdrawing the hastily made invitation. But by stealth measures it should gradually downgraded as much as possible without him noticing. The Balmoral private golf course might suffer an untimely moss incursion, for another example.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

"That's your opinion, I would rather vote for the individual than a party, but I don't want to side step."

What in the name of domino affects are you fastandfuriousing about now? That was a side step. The US has appalling turnout rates and an electorate which isn't politically engaged. Countries like France reach over 80% in elections.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

"Pity her majesty...."

It looks like back in 2012 Trump wasn't just tweeting roaring hypocritical stupidly about the electoral college being a 'disaster for democracy" after mistakenly thinking Romney had won the popular vote. He was also tweeting pure trash after the paparazzi had photographed Kate Windsor topless on a beach:

"Who wouldn't take Kate's picture and make lots of money if she does the nude sunbathing thing. Come on Kate!"

He had also previously answered in the affirmative after Howard Stern asked him if he could have "nailed" William's mother.

I'm no royalist but I do pity the queen on this occasion. I wouldn't be comfortable with trash like that in my house.

I've got to say I do like Trump in the sense that he makes me feel classy.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

bass4funkFEB. 21, 2017 - 11:45AM JST

"Of course they believe that. They'll be desperate to make sure no one who likes Trump votes UKIP or BNP instead of Conservative."

Desperate? Why?

You don't know a lot about the UK Conservative Party, do you. For instance, how the whole Brexit thing came about in the first place.

If you believe in free and fair elections, you don't have to be desperate, just campaign on the issues you hold dear and let the opposition do the same and let the chips fall where they may.

Tell that to Theresa May and Alan Duncan.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

@Bass

(I don't think Trump will be going to Scotland, he's not exactly popular there)

I think he will. The problem is, even in Europe people as in the US that voted for Trump or really want a change to the far extreme right are gaining ground and tired of these globalist tree huggers, but many of them are silent. What happened with Brexit and the US is huge indicator that this domino affect is not going to stop, at least not in the near future.

From the Scotsman newspaper:

Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK will not include any events or stops in Scotland, according to reports. Neither the Scottish Government nor Police Scotland has been consulted over hosting the new US president, according to reports.

It is understood that, although discussions about Mr Trump’s state visit are at an advanced stage, a trip to Scotland is not currently on the itinerary. Reports that Mr Trump will not come to Scotland when he visits the UK come after speculation last week that he might visit Balmoral.

His mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and brought up on the Hebridean island of Lewis but emigrated to New York.

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “We’re not aware of any plans for an official visit to Scotland.” A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government has not been approached by the UK Government in relation to a state visit.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last month voiced opposition to Trump visiting the UK amid controversy sparked by his push to impose travel restrictions on refugees and migrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. She said: “I don’t think it would be appropriate in these circumstances for the state visit to go ahead while these bans are in place given the understandable concern that people have about them and the messages they send and the impact they have.”

6 ( +7 / -1 )

That's great for the French, they seem to also love socialism a lot. No thanks, really!!

GoP prefers a monotheism or plutocracy. Trump prefers a dictatorship.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Jimizio,

He had also previously answered in the affirmative after Howard Stern asked him if he could have "nailed" William's mother.

Exactly. Theresa May will have been fully aware of this when she extended the invite to the orange vulgarian. That one incident in itself should be enough to deny Trump any kind of reception from the royals.

I'm sure you've seen it but a picture speaks a thousand words. This is Desperate Brexit Britain's uncomfortable position with Trump:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2017/jan/26/steve-bell-uk-us-theresa-may-donald-trump-cartoon

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Another link for those interested in the Scottish attitude to Trump: (Warning: contains strong language.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pbTmXsfiYk&feature=youtu.be

I guess he may be nuking us first.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Must be all that fake news over there turning the Brits against a great man.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

“We believe it is absolutely right that we should use all the tools at our disposal to build common ground with President Trump,” Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan told lawmakers.

Of course they believe that. They'll be desperate to make sure no one who likes Trump votes UKIP or BNP instead of Conservative.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

"What happened with Brexit and the US is huge indicator that this domino affect is not going to stop, at least not in the near future."

I fear the rise of the far right but your idea is very simplistic. It's just the kind of stuff the MSM puts out. The UK has had a very long and troubled relationship with Europe and this issue has torn parties apart and fatally damaged leaders. Euroscepticism is nothing new. It's also worth remembering that UKIP have just one seat in parliament.

Also, the US is one of the least politically engaged developed countries with appalling turnout rates. Trump is possible in the US but probably not as feasible in a more politically aware and politically engaged country.

This 'affect' may not be as powerful as Trump tells his whoopers.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

It would not surprise me one bit if Trump Twitters himself out of a visit after watching tonight's Fox news; Parliament has been quite scathing of everything about him, from his politics to his low mental calibre.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Alfie:

Great story and great word. Thanks! I hope Balmoral is ruled out by one means or another, since it clearly means so much to him and the more slights and snubs the better.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

“We believe it is absolutely right that we should use all the tools at our disposal to build common ground with President Trump,” Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan told lawmakers."

"Opportunist ! When the position of a man means more than what he is doing..."

To be honest, there are a lot of Tories who are partial to Trump's ideas.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I don't think it's Trump's policies or ideas per se which are the problem overseas but rather his persona. I am actually pretty sure many ppl in Europe (and elsewhere) share DT's opinion on immigration, trade etc yet don't get the man and only see the lunatic in him. And I don't blame them for that.

Like most on here I've watched/read about Trump for decades about his biz ventures, sports stuff, tv shows etc so I got used to the bravado, lies, him being condescending & obnoxious, his trademark facial expressions, ego etc and learnt NOT to take him 'that' seriously. But can you imagine what 'others' especially non anglos think about this guy as they see/hear him for the first time as potus?

Plus most ppl do not enjoy the company of someone who always need to get one over on them, dominate/bully them etc and that's why ppl are hesitant to have him around or even work for him.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

In a passionate debate that’s unlikely to change the British government’s position, Trump was labeled a misogynist, a bigot and a “petulant child” by opposition legislators.

Let's not forget that he is also a con artist. He not only conned a lot of the Americans in voting for him, but also conned the American people to pay for his travel expenses to his exclusive club and many golfing trips. Also, they don't realize that Melania incurs large fees for secret service protection for her as she continues to live in New York, and not in the White House. In fact, he has spent almost as much money in travel expenses in one month, that Obama spent in a year. People forget that he brutally criticized Obama for too many golfing trips and travel on Air Force One, when he was campaigning last year. Yet here he is, fooling the masses and showing just how short their memory is.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I keep telling Trump supporters that Bernie said many of the same things Trump said. Working for the common man, everyone covered by health insurance, wage inequality, the lack of wage growth.

Most just yelled SOCIALIST and closed their ears.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"I don't think it's Trump's policies or ideas per se which are the problem overseas but rather his persona. I am actually pretty sure many ppl in Europe (and elsewhere) share DT's opinion on immigration, trade etc yet don't get the man and only see the lunatic in him. And I don't blame them for that."

To take the example of the UK, the last Labour government admitted they got immigration wrong and the Tories talked tough on immigration but failed to get a grip on it in the eyes of their voters ( a factor in Brexit, although a strange one in my view ). However, I don't think it's just his repulsive persona. I very much doubt that even a Tory government would dare try the kind of ban Trump attempted, although it would appeal to their far right and entice a few Kippers. The speaker of the house, still a moderate Tory, reacted with what looked like real disgust about Trump making a speech to parliament.

His personality is utterly revolting but so are some of his plans.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

MadvertsFEB. 21, 2017 - 07:34PM JST

He had also previously answered in the affirmative after Howard Stern asked him if he could have "nailed" William's mother. Exactly. Theresa May will have been fully aware of this when she extended the invite to the orange vulgarian. That one incident in itself should be enough to deny Trump any kind of reception from the royals.

It should, but Theresa May has clearly got to demonstrate to any Trump-loving tory voters who might be thinking of switching to UKIP that she can do more for him than Nigel Farage. I'm just wondering if she's also going to lay on a Knight Grand Cross, colonelcy of a Guards regiment and a cameo on Eastenders. Or maybe she could offer to let him do her job as well.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Let's see. Kippers, the BNP, the EDL, religious bigots, past invitations to Putin, Xi and Hirohito and the husband of the queen ( a man who'd make the Kippers look moderate ). I think the UK can handle trash like Trump although to their credit, they wouldn't elect something like him.

Anyway, in the real world, after Brexit we a basically a mid-range prostitute and this p___y-grabber has a big wallet. Lie back and think of England.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Who wants to hear Trump with his alternative news?

Every listeners doing facts checking during the speech while as a US president he should have a cohort of people doing it to avoid that? No thank you!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There has been talk of moving Trump's visit away from London to avoid protests. Good luck with that. Birmingham City Council has already indicated they don't want anything to do with his visit, and I don't see anywhere else falling over to welcome him. Anyway, where ever he goes the protesters will be there too. I hope the Queen gets a convenient cold when he visits.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"its offer to the president of a state visit stamped with pomp, pageantry and royal approval."

The anti-Trumpers are really pissed.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“We believe it is absolutely right that we should use all the tools at our disposal to build common ground with President >>Trump,” Foreign Office Minister Alan Duncan told lawmakers.

Opportunist ! When the position of a man means more than what he is doing...

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I'm English and whilst i'm not a fan of Trump, I think this is bloody ridiculous as he's the democratically elected leader of our greatest ally. Blocking POTUS from speaking in parliament because some muppets MIGHT not like some things he MIGHT say just goes to show what a nanny state Britain is. Also, the protest are a load of crap, there are far bigger issues that deserve protesting, such as the governments inability, or just plain lack of desire to sort the rail strikes out.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

As the article points out we've rolled out the red carpet for far worse. What a pointless waste of time debate. Chances of the invitation being withdrawn are exactly 0. Just anti-trump bandwagon jumpers and those silly enough to bother to debate it with them, all of whom seem to have nothing better to do.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

1.8 million care and 62 million don`t care.

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

To be honest, there are a lot of Tories who are partial to Trump's ideas.

Good to know, there's still some hope out there.

-13 ( +4 / -17 )

Monday’s debate was called after more than 1.8 million people signed an online petition calling for the state visit to be downgraded.

I wonder how many of these 1.8 million people were actually Democrats, or Hillary supporters, from the U.S.A.?

LONDON - Thousands of protesters against U.S. President Donald Trump rallied outside Britain’s Parliament on Monday, while lawmakers inside urged the government to rescind its offer to the president of a state visit stamped with pomp, pageantry and royal approval.

I wonder how many of these protesters were actual British subjects? How many were expatriate Americans trying to tell the British how they should act in their own country?

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

1.8 million care and 62 million don`t care.

Now you know liberals are horrible when it comes to math.

Of course they believe that. They'll be desperate to make sure no one who likes Trump votes UKIP or BNP instead of Conservative.

Desperate? Why? If you believe in free and fair elections, you don't have to be desperate, just campaign on the issues you hold dear and let the opposition do the same and let the chips fall where they may.

I don't think Trump will be going to Scotland, he's not exactly popular there:

I think he will. The problem is, even in Europe people as in the US that voted for Trump or really want a change to the far extreme right are gaining ground and tired of these globalist tree huggers, but many of them are silent. What happened with Brexit and the US is huge indicator that this domino affect is not going to stop, at least not in the near future.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

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