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Summary: Ed Davey has urged Keir Starmer to cancel the King’s planned US state visit, arguing it would hand Donald Trump a diplomatic victory following American airstrikes on Iran. The demand comes as tensions rise between London and Washington over the conflict, placing further strain on the long-standing US-UK alliance.
Ed Davey Calls For King’s US Visit To Be Cancelled
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to cancel the King’s planned state visit to the United States following the escalation of the Iran conflict.
The visit, currently scheduled for April, is intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
However, Davey said the trip should not proceed after US airstrikes targeting Iran, which have significantly heightened tensions across the Middle East.
“Keir Starmer should advise the King that the state visit… should be called off.”
Davey argued that allowing the visit to go ahead would effectively hand President Donald Trump a diplomatic success during a period of military conflict.
The Liberal Democrat leader said Britain should avoid actions that could be interpreted as endorsing US strategy in the region.
Davey Labels Iran Conflict “Illegal War”
Speaking on Sunday, Davey described the current conflict as an “illegal war” and warned the consequences were already being felt beyond the Middle East.
Trump has launched an “illegal war”.
He claimed the crisis risks destabilising the region and increasing economic pressure on households through rising energy prices.
The comments highlight the widening political divide in Westminster over how Britain should respond to the conflict.
Some politicians believe the UK should align closely with Washington during international crises, while others argue Britain should maintain greater distance from US military decisions.
Tensions Between London And Washington
The dispute comes amid growing friction between the UK and the United States over the handling of the Iran conflict.
President Donald Trump previously criticised Britain after the UK declined to allow American forces to launch the initial strikes from British bases.
Despite the tensions, Downing Street confirmed that Trump and Starmer later held a 20-minute phone call to discuss the evolving situation.
The conversation reportedly covered military cooperation between the two countries and the broader security situation in the Middle East.
For decades the US-UK “special relationship” has been central to Britain’s foreign and defence policy.
However, disagreements over strategy during major conflicts are not uncommon.
Davey’s intervention adds another political dimension to the debate, raising questions about how Britain should balance its alliance with the United States while maintaining its own diplomatic stance.
With tensions continuing to escalate in the Middle East, the future of the King’s planned visit may now become part of a wider political argument over Britain’s role in the crisis.
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