Wera Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Bath, has called for the cancellation of King Charles III’s upcoming state visit to the United States. Supporting a motion from her party, Hobhouse urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advise against the planned visit next month. She accused the Trump administration of “treating our allies with contempt” and holding policies that have led to soaring energy bills affecting households in Bath and beyond.
Hobhouse emphasized the significance of a state visit as the highest form of national respect. “It cannot be used to validate a President who has ignited an illegal war, jeopardized the global economy, and caused everyday energy bills to rise for families in Bath,” she said. “We refuse to let His Majesty the King be leveraged as a political shield for an administration that disregards its allies. The Liberal Democrats call on Keir Starmer to stand firm, halt appeasement, and cancel this visit immediately.”
The call comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this year, the US and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with thousands of Iranians. The UK declined to participate or allow US forces to use British bases for the attacks. In response, former President Trump criticized Starmer, stating, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
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Following these events, Iran retaliated by attacking merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international oil shipping route. Starmer noted that NATO should not be involved in the conflict, displeasing Trump and prompting him to express disappointment with the UK’s stance.
Recently, the UK joined France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada in issuing a joint condemnation of Iran’s aggressive actions. The statement strongly denounced recent Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, civilian oil and gas infrastructure, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It called on Iran to cease threats, laying of mines, missile and drone attacks, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
King Charles III’s state visit to the US is scheduled for April 27 to April 29. Hobhouse’s appeal highlights the ongoing debate over the UK’s diplomatic approach amid international conflicts and energy concerns.