Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has announced he will boycott the state banquet held for Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the reason for his decision.
Sir Ed acknowledged the difficulty of declining an invitation from the King, describing it as an “honour” that goes against his “instincts.”
However, he emphasized Trump’s influence over Israel, Qatar, and other Gulf states, stating that the former president “has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza and get the hostages released.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host Trump and his wife, Melania, for the US president’s second state visit from September 17th to 19th. The visit includes a state banquet at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Hall.
Approximately 150 guests are typically invited to these formal dinners, including politicians, diplomats, religious leaders, and notable figures.
As the leader of the UK’s third-largest party, Sir Ed has attended previous state banquets, including the one held for French President Emmanuel Macron last month.
Sir Ed stated: “Emily and I have spent all summer thinking about this and have prayed about it. There is no honour like an invitation from the King, and not to accept his invitation goes against all of our instincts.”
“But I fear we could have a situation where Donald Trump comes to our country, is honoured with a lavish dinner at one of our finest palaces, yet no one reminds him that he has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza and get the hostages released.”
“If Donald Trump tells [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu to stop this, it ends tomorrow. If Donald Trump uses his influence over Qatar and other Gulf states that Hamas relies on, all the hostages could come home tomorrow.”
“Boycotting the banquet is the one way I can send a message to Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they can’t close their eyes and wish this away. We have to speak up, they have to act. Donald Trump must act to end this humanitarian crisis.”
While Trump has consistently supported Netanyahu during the conflict, he acknowledged last month that there was “real starvation” in Gaza, a claim Israel has denied.
The United Nations has characterized the situation in Gaza as a “man-made” famine, accusing Israel of restricting aid entering the territory.
Israel has refuted claims that it is responsible for the food shortages.
The Israeli military initiated its campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
According to the territory’s health ministry, at least 62,819 people have been killed in Gaza since then.
Trump previously received a state visit hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 during his first term in office.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the second invitation as “historic” and “unprecedented.”
Traditionally, second-term presidents are not offered a state visit, but are instead invited for tea or lunch with the monarch.
While Trump will receive a full ceremonial welcome, he will not have the opportunity to address MPs, as the House of Commons adjourns for the annual party conference season the day before his arrival in the UK.
In 2019, then-Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable declined to attend Trump’s state banquet, stating that British politicians should not be “hobnobbing with a man who is on record as a misogynist and a racist.”
Then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Commons Speaker John Bercow were also among those who declined their invites.
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