Visit of Trump

I think, if he is here for the commemorations of the D-Day landings and manages to behave with some dignity, then we should try to do the same for the sake of the memory of all those servicemen (and women) who sacrificed their lives so that we have the right to demonstrate - or not, as we decide.

Jane10 I rather like the idea of a massive posterior salute to that awful orange - want to put a sweary thing. But won’t.

He’s not getting a free pass because of that - the ceremonies will not be affected

I have heard DH say "That just brings you down to their level", not particularly about Trump and his visit but generally about retaliating if someone behaves badly.

That’s far too subtle for DT

I agree with you Calli, our own dignity is what matters here. We normally behave well when other unpleasant (a polite description) heads of state visit, although I believe there have been some low key demonstrations on occasion. However, I believe we would demean ourselves as a country if we behave impolitely. Calli’s DH is correct in my opinion, we should not be brought down to the lowest common denominator.
Our Queen is a very good example of this, whatever the situation, whoever the person, she behaves impeccably, and with absolute dignity.

Well luckily your views won’t have any influence.

Do you really have to be so rude and unpleasant Maryeliza? It’s very sad.

GabriellaG54 I base my distaste for Trump on the videos of him speaking that I have seen. I think he is a thoroughly odious person, a hypocrite of the first degree, a liar, an egotist who cannot stand to be anything but "the best" Have you seen his boasts that he is the best at whatever, knows more than anybody else, etc etc ? I especially like that he said he is the most transparent president in the history of the country. Really? Tax statements and education records for a start. Trump has threatened legal action against any facility that reveals his attainments. Probably because he didn't come top of the class like he claims!
I would prefer to totally ignore his visit to the UK, the lack of attention would hurt him more than anything else. What I strongly object to is Jeremy Hunt's suggestion that he should address parliament. Absolutely not! We have enough home grown morons, we certainly don't need to import them from the USA.

maddy what are you talking about?

Mr Trump is the President because he represents 'most' Americans according to democratic process. If Trump did not exist there would be some other bad person for misled Americans to make into a president. We should honour Trump because of this ascribed status among Americans regardless of whether or not he is a criminal or a fool as he represents the USA.

We should refuse to honour Trump because of his immoral achievements.

Both points of view are right .
My preference is for Trump not to be honoured with the Queen's horses and carriages and company at dinner and so on, as ceremonials like those should be reserved for real heroes and saints. I mean if Jacinda Ardern came on a state visit how are we to give her special honours if those have been polluted? There should be a sliding scale of honours according to achieved moral status. Mr Trump would then perhaps occupy big cars and the very best hotel suite and plenty of meetings with business people, but would not merit physically touching the Queen or sitting on a cushion in her carriage .

I was impressed to hear Vince Cable say that,much as he was honoured by Her Majesty's invitation, he had declined to attend a state banquet for Trump, just as he had previously refused an invitation to dine with the king of Saudi Arabia.

It is not strictly true that Trump represents 'most' Americans according to the democratic process. If the President had been elected on a simple majority of the electorate, Hillary Clinton would be the one to do a state visit. She had a majority over Trump of 2.86 million votes. However, the strange procedure of the Electoral College determining the result of the election, landed the US with the anomaly of Trump and unless the procedure were to be changed in favour of a simple majority, it's entirely possible that Trump will get a second term.

Alexa, sadly, Jacinda Ardern couldn't come here on a state visit as she is not head of state in New Zealand. Her Majesty is their head of state. However, it would be good if JA could visit and address our Parliament. What a breath of fresh air that would be.

IMV, Donald Trump would be easy to get along with.
I agree that some of his claims are outrageous and he has had to backtrack on some policies but, I'm still of the view that he appeals more to the average American than might appear to be the case.
To be blatantly rude to a visiting dignitary, whatever their moral compass, brings you down to below basement level.
Americans are not known for their 'rigidity' as far as rules go except when it comes to their own state occasions. They can appear a bit bullish and 'unrefined' compared to our Royals and we should take that into account.

If the Queen can entertain President Trump with courtesy, then I would have thought Vince Cable could!! Perhaps his refusal has more to do with having one eye on his constituents /MP's than any repugnance of the President?!!!

Her Majesty has no choice in the matter.

VC wouldn’t be entertaining him - the Q is host and it’s part of her job.

In fairness to VC, he apparently turned down an invitation to a State Banquet when someone else objectionable made a State visit, I forget who exactly, but have a feeling it might have been the Saudi king.

Whatever, I think he should take a leaf out of the queen’s book, and represent his party and Britain as he has been asked to do. However, I don’t suppose anyone will miss him.
The Queen always represents the best about Britain, quiet dignity and politeness.
I’m not really a great royalist (got one foot in both camps) but she really does do us proud on these occasions, however objectionable the visitor.

In this at least Maryeliza, we agree. To host these occasions is part of the Queen’s job.

Far worse have visited this country in the past and there are even worse who live here.
I feel ashamed thinking about the reception he's going to get.

How many here visit his country ? Double standards again?

I don't actually believe it's possible for any of us to get down to his level. He has shown himself time after time to be beneath contempt. His visit is just a massive embarrassment all round.

Corbyn has refused the invitation from the palace too, this is a snub to the people of America

Well all the Americans I know will be jolly pleased he’s not going. Both the Palace and No 10 knew full well what they were doing when they invited DT. They’re grown ups who must live with the consequences of their stupidity and not think they can pressure other grown ups to bend to their will.

Speaker Bercow and JC have both declined to attend.