Donald Trump State visit 16-18 September 2025

@sundowngirl
Why on earth is Sadiq Khan an odious little man??
Most Londoners seem happy with him.

Babs03

@sundowngirl
Why on earth is Sadiq Khan an odious little man??
Most Londoners seem happy with him.

Yes. I’d like to know, too. Please.

Yes best ignored. He has nothing intelligent to say and is a dangerous individual who will bring nothing but grief.

Whether or not we (us/UK/Joe Bloggs etc.,) like him is totally irrelevant.

Donald Trump is the elected POTUS, he is here in that capacity for a State Visit.

Large pictures on fields, Sadiq Kahn’s childish balloon or any other prank reflects badly on the U.K. it is far better to rise above than sink below.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, is the first person to have been voted three times into this position. He must be doing something correct.

Babs03

@sundowngirl
Why on earth is Sadiq Khan an odious little man??
Most Londoners seem happy with him.

I don’t know anyone who are happy with him and thinks he is doing a good job.
He never answers questions and is hated for ULEZ which he put in place despite evidence that it would make very little difference to the air quality in outer London.
The ridiculous expansion cycle lanes contributing to increased congestion in places like Park Lane, bridges and other central routed
Knife crime is on the increase in the capital
I could go on

And do you think the Trump baby balloon was a good idea??

Well in that case just outline your discontents with regard to his competence. Everyone has a right to an opinion. But the odious little man remark is unnecessary.

sundowngirl don’t forget designer watch and mini,e phone theft.

There are roads in London with a stripe on the pavement warning of mugging danger …

Sorry the last comment was a reply to sundowngirl.

The ULEZ has significantly reduced roadside nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter polution against London.
For much more great detail, just ask Google.

Maremia

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, is the first person to have been voted three times into this position. He must be doing something correct.

Did you happen to notice the alternatives on those 3 occasions? Little wonder he got in. London deserves better.

Nobody is voted into power three times, with an increased majority, unless the population votes for them above all-comers. That reality makes rubbishing him for his achievements look rather silly.

In any case, Trump’s visit is not about Sadiq Khan at all.

Sarnia

Maremia

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, is the first person to have been voted three times into this position. He must be doing something correct.

Did you happen to notice the alternatives on those 3 occasions? Little wonder he got in. London deserves better.

Yep, totally agree 👍

Well, I hope he got the brief this time on how to behave and conduct oneself during a royal visit! Last time he behaved like a total buffoon! He was an embarrassment!

Jane112

The royal family could refuse to meet Trump, this nonsense that they have no choice is pathetic, individuals ALWAYS have a choice, what they mean is it might cost them and they'd rather prostrate themselves before the rapist than show any integrity.

You have perhaps forgotten that the invitation was personally written by Charles himself, the letter was handed to Trump by Starmer in the White House, opened and read, on public TV.

Charles can't get out of it, but I see Camilla has already flagged up a sick note (missed the Duchess of Kent funeral).

I don't think it matters how Trump behaves the king and others will behave with their usual politeness.
Trump is exceedingly outclassed.

The balloon on his last visit just made people look as crass as Trump is.

The scientific facts about the vast improvement in air quality in London are oblivious to political bias.

Three times voted in, is now an historical fact.

Maremia

Three times voted in, is now an historical fact.

It is true that many car drivers dislike Sadiq Khan for discouraging unnecessary car journeys around London. Those of us who actually live in the city are grateful for the improved air quality. That alone justifies him having been voted in as Mayor three times.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

think we are missing the point and getting caught up in the people involved.

This is not the Charles and Donald show.

This is Britain showing the world that it honours the USA and the USA showing they are honoured.

Also, it's the UK showing how to do a proper military parade.

Not like that shambles on Trump's birthday.

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/15/trump-army-parade

And Trump’s right - Europe must stop buying Russian oil.

Trump is an important factor and the Royals are doing their bit in our long term interests. We've hosted far worse - Ceaușescu, Mugabe, Pinochet.

ronib

UK on the verge of calling in the IMF. We need the USA far more than they need us? Island mentality isn’t helping.
It isn’t the first time that the royal family has hosted a very dubious type. It hosted the President of Nigeria immediately after the Biafran genocide. Not to mention a particular family member ….

I agree Ronib.
It's easy for us to say we wouldn't invite him because we despise his style & what he stands for (transiently).
USA is our most important ally since Brexit, & too powerful (& have too many impressive people who don't support Trump) for us to snub their Head of State.
Much though Charles mayn't approve of Trump's politics, it is an area where the Royal family play a huge role. Things where electoral distaste means elected politicians can't be too chummy, the Royal family can offer apolitical hospitality and open the road to dialogue (or in this case, keep him onside which may be helpful with Gaza as well as economically).

Think of the late Queen with Martin McGuiness, Princess Diana with AIDS patients. The original "influencers".

FriedGreenTomatoes2

And Trump’s right - Europe must stop buying Russian oil.

We're not usually in agreement but I absolutely agree. Buying Russian oil is paying for arms to fight Ukraine. I think Germany has reduced it's dependence but it will have to do more. I loathe Trump but he sometimes points out things that we would prefer to ignore!