The Bath MP, Wera Hobhouse, has publicly called for the cancellation of the King’s planned state visit to the United States next month. Supporting a Liberal Democrat motion, Hobhouse urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advise against the visit, citing concerns over the Trump administration’s treatment of allies and the significant rise in energy bills affecting UK households.
Hobhouse emphasized the gravity of a state visit, describing it as “our nation’s highest mark of respect” that should not be used to endorse a government she accused of provoking an illegal war and destabilizing the global economy. “We refuse to let His Majesty the King be used as a political shield for an administration that treats our allies with contempt,” she stated. Hobhouse also called on Starmer to “stop the appeasement and cancel this visit now.”
Recent geopolitical tensions have heightened scrutiny of UK-US relations. On February 28, US and Israeli forces launched “Operation Epic Fury,” targeting Iran and resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside numerous casualties. The UK chose not to participate in the strikes nor allow US forces to use its bases for the initial operations.
READ MORE: Why Bristol Deserves More Love: Discovering the Westcountry’s Underappreciated Gem
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Soar to New Heights in Dominant 62-15 Victory Over Saracens
Following these events, President Trump harshly criticized Starmer, saying, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.” In response to subsequent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global oil transport—Starmer expressed reservations about NATO’s involvement. This stance disappointed Trump, who openly criticized several countries including the UK.
Most recently, the UK government joined a coalition of nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada—in issuing a firm condemnation of Iran’s aggressive actions. The joint statement denounced Iran’s attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure as well as attempts to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, calling for immediate cessation of hostile activities and full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
Despite these ongoing diplomatic challenges, the King’s state visit to the US remains scheduled for April 27 to 29, pending any intervention from UK leadership.