Voices: Poll: Should King Charles nonetheless go to the US after Trump-Starmer Iran row?

Sir Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure over Britain’s relationship with the United States – and now questions have been raised over whether the King should continue with a planned state visit to the US.

The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has warned the trip would hand Donald Trump “yet another huge diplomatic coup” at a time of mounting tensions between Washington and London.

It comes after Trump launched fresh criticism of the UK’s response to the war in the Middle East, widening a rift with the prime minister over Britain’s refusal to join American strikes on Iran. While Downing Street insists the relationship between the two allies remains strong, the public disagreement has fuelled questions about how close the so-called “special relationship” really is.

Some readers argue the visit should not go ahead, saying it would simply hand Mr Trump the spotlight he craves. One commenter said that it was “hard to see why this Royal visit should go ahead” given the president’s attacks on the UK government and his handling of the conflict.

Others believe cancelling the trip could backfire. As one commenter put it, the British government may feel it has little choice but to proceed, warning that Mr Trump could react badly to the perceived snub and escalate tensions further.

There are also concerns about how the visit would be received at home. Another reader said the King must “judge the mood of the country”, warning that public support for the monarchy cannot be taken for granted if decisions appear out of step with national sentiment.

With the visit expected to coincide with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the question now being asked is whether the timing is right – or whether the trip risks becoming entangled in a deepening political dispute.

Vote in our poll and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source: independent.co.uk