Insight
Trump’s state visit to a country in a state by Ian Bond 31 May 2019
Donald Trump would not be the UK’s most popular visitor this year, whatever the circumstances. The timing of his state visit, with Britain in Brexit paralysis and on the eve of a Tory leadership contest, is not ideal. But the UK, and other Europeans, should not lose sight of the enduring importance of the transatlantic partnership. US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK on June 3rd – 5th is likely to be an awkward affair, on both sides. It will be a challenge to keep the special relationship looking special by the end of it. But despite Trump’s unpredictable behaviour, and the immediate distractions of Brexit and the contest to be the next UK prime minister, it is important for the UK to keep investing in the transatlantic relationship. Other Europeans, however negative their views of the president, should hope that his visit to the UK, and then the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France, will persuade Trump not to turn his back on Europe. A state visit to the UK by the leader of a friendly country should be a celebratory occasion, and a chance to show off the closeness of the bilateral relationship (as well as impressing the visitor with plenty of traditional pageantry). It is also a signal honour: Queen Elizabeth II normally only hosts two inward state visits per year, and Trump will only be the third US president to enjoy a full state visit (as opposed to an official visit or a working visit – both lower profile occasions), after George W Bush and Barack Obama. Trump will bring his wife Melania and all four of his adult children with him. On the UK side, as well as the Queen the president will meet Prince Charles (who strongly disagrees with Trump on climate change) and other members of the Royal Family, and outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May (who will resign on June 7th to pave the way for a Conservative Party leadership contest). There will also be meetings with business leaders and a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. The visit will end with Trump’s attendance at the UK’s ceremonies to mark D-Day, in Portsmouth. He will not make a speech to a joint session of parliament – something Obama, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan all did – due in large part to the opposition of the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, CER INSIGHT: Trump’s state visit to a country in a state 31 May 2019
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