Visit of Trump

State visits are proposed by the government of the day, but the Queen presumably has to agree.

if DT was just as odious but left wing Isn't that the most stupid statement ever? The left wing stands against racism, and misogyny and believes in equality and freedom. How the hell could Trump or anyone with his beliefs be left wing? Isn't this just another attempt to whitewash the right and make their unacceptable prejudices palatable?

How can an anti Semite be left wing ?

I doubt if the Queen has any say on this, lemon. She cannot be 'political' and must be advised by her ministers.
State visits usually have a political/ foreign policy objective. The objective for this one is very clear. And it isn't honouring a WW2 ally...

Left wingers aren't anti-semitic Annie. They have stood on many occasions with the Jewish community. Communists were in concentration camps and were killed in WW2. The right wing on the other hand colluded with Hitler, imprisoned communists and refused shelter to socialist families.

The Speaker is supposed to be non political too!! It just proves how HM is head and shoulders above these self righteous pygmy's in every respect!

So one can only be anti semetic by actions not by words , same must be said of all racists then, say what you want no matter how vile but hands off,

True Jabberwok

Would Corbyn have refused to meet/ banquet the Chinese Leader I wonder?We all know they are beacons of equality and freedom! Ditto Russia, when Corbyn and friends have been very cosy with them.
Exactly MaizieD ( a foreign policy objective) and not a bad idea to stay very friendly with our US allies when we may want future trade deals.
Trump is a horrible man, but not a killer.

Just because Communists were murdered in concentration camps along with Jews doesn't mean that they weren't anti Semitic!! The Russians were deeply anti semitic as were most country's in Europe, particularly the East. Rounding up and the betrayal of Jews was largely due to the hatred of their own countrymen. It wasn't only Nazis who hated Jews, far from it!!!!!

Totally agree Lemon and Annie!

Exactly Jabberwock there was anti-semitism in the Uk mostly among the establishment and the right wing (including a member of the royal family but we don't talk about that).
I do think there is a difference between meeting with the leader of a government which is instituting change, like the Chinese and meeting a leader who has openly declared his intentions of introducing racist measures, has already done so and who has spoken of women in terms which would seem to give men a basis for believing the assault of women is acceptable. Who is in fact reversing the policies of equality.

I think we're divided on here as to whether cosying up to Trump in the hopes of a trade deal (which will be on greatly disadvantageous terms to us) is a good thing or a bad thing.

That we have to make our Head of State entertain such a very unpleasant man just because we are supposedly leaving one of the most sophisticated, powerful and influential ( and principled when it comes to standards) trading blocks in the world is embarrassing. I'm sure he wouldn't have been given a State Visit had we not had the Leave vote.

Betty Boothroyd does not think much of Bercow's refusal to attend the dinner.
He should put his personal views on one side and remember that he is representing Parliament and should be non-biased.
His attitude, as Speaker of the House, is totally unprofessional.
Betty Boothroyd says:
No Speaker should indulge himself in personalities and whom he approves or disapproves.
Speakers must always remember they are the servant of the House and not its master.

Corbyn, Cable etc can, of course, please themselves as they represent no-one as they are not members of the government and not of particular consequence.

Instituting change?!! Well, I certainly haven't heard that China is about to embrace democracy, release political prisoners, establish any semblance of animal protection against appalling cruelty, ref Yulin so called festival, to quote just one of many horrors. China may be establishing capitalism, but under an iron fist! but I guess the left can overlook all that!
As for the Royal Family, I guess you're talking about Edward V111th? We do talk about it, in fact there have been quite a few documentaries that do the rounds. 'Edward on Edward' is well worth watching, particularly that controversial salute!!

Trade deal MaizieD? Who wants US chlorinated chicken and inferior beef products? Neither you nor I.

Betty Boothtoyd has no right to speak out against a man following his conscience. She is long retired.

From that role to the Lords.

Actually I think Trump ought to be allowed to address a televised House. There’s too much Doom ‘n Gloom in the news and we could do with a good laugh.

As someone said on TV this morning Corbyn is supposed to be the leader of her Majesty's Loyal Oposition.

Or they could invite him to address the House and leave just as he arrives.

Nothing to do with "chlorinated chicken or inferior beef" but more to do with the US being " on-side " should there ever be conflict in this country !! We haven't exactly got a good track record for avoiding terrorist attacks either home or abroad have we ? One of those murderers responsible for the Sri-Lankan atrocity was" educated " in this country and should these fanatics retain their wishes to rule the world I for one would be only too grateful to have the USA on our side. Wouldn't you ? Do you know of any other large country/state who would stand by our side ?

Nobody has to like DT but for goodness sake look at the bigger picture !!

I would say that in truth the US has caused much of the present terrorism by its interference in the politics of other countries.

Who put Saddam Hussain in power in the first case? Who sold arms to right wing rebels to overthrow a democratically elected government because they didn’t like their left wing views?

Who had to be dragged into WW2 to support their ‘allies’ and only then after Pearl Harbour?

I don't think there was much dragging after P.H, More like baying for revenge!!

And we haven't interfered in other countries, Anja ??
Remember Blair with Iraq ? From 2003 we as a country have suffered the backlash of terrorism ever since.