UK Parliament debates Trump visit as thousands protest invite

World Today

Trump UK visit 2

In Britain, thousands of protesters took to the streets as members of Parliament clashed over plans for a state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The debate was triggered by an online petition against the visit, signed by 1.8 million people.

CGTN’s Richard Bestic reports.

Anti-Trump chants were heard in Parliament Square before a debate over an invitation to the U.S. president even got underway inside.

While those on the street appeared of one mind, it was a different matter among the lawmakers.

“I think it’s difficult to know whether to be appalled at the morality of this invitation or just astonished at the stupidity of the invitation,” Alex Salmond, an MP with the Scottish Nationalist Party said.

Some said while they might not like what Trump said, he was democratically elected.

“He is going to go down in history as being roundly condemned for being the only politician to deliver on his promises,” Nigel Evans, a Conservative MP said.

Prime Minister Theresa May conveyed the invitation to Trump last month during a visit to Washington though no date has been set for the visit.