SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.

* indicates required
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
Seen as Face of Global Far-Right Extremism, Trump State Visit to UK Spurs Call for Mass Protest

The Baby Trump Balloon floats in the middle of crowds holding anti-Trump signs while the U.S. President is visiting Trump Turnberry Luxury Collection Resort in Scotland as people gather to protest during his visit to the United Kingdom on July 14, 2018. (Photo: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

Seen as Face of Global Far-Right Extremism, Trump State Visit to UK Spurs Call for Mass Protest

"Deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic, Donald Trump is no friend of Britain."

In response to news that U.S. President Donald Trump will be welcomed for a formal state visit to the United Kingdom in June, British progressives on Tuesday vowed to take to the streets to give the man they consider a leader of the global far-right the unwelcome greeting he has earned.

The trip will mark Trump's first state trip to the U.K.

"A formal state visit to Britain in June must be met with widespread opposition," Sabby Dhalu of the U.K.-based group Stand Up to Trump said in a statement. "All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here!"

"Trump is a racist, a misogynist, and a climate change denier who threatens minorities at home while pushing for war abroad."
--Stop the War Coalition

When Trump arrived in the country last year for a brief non-state visit, hundreds of thousands poured into the streets to condemn the American president's bigotry, misogyny, and planet-destroying climate agenda.

The U.K.-based Stop Trump Coalition and other groups behind last year's demonstrations set up a Facebook event page to organize ahead of the June visit.

"This demonstration isn't just about Trump as one man," the event announcement said. "He is a symbol of the new far-right, a politics of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, of war and conflict, and walls and fences that are growing around the world."

In a statement, the U.K.-based Stop the War Coalition said it is "extraordinary that the British government has chosen to endorse this most reactionary and aggressive U.S. president with a formal welcome."

"Trump is a racist, a misogynist, and a climate change denier who threatens minorities at home while pushing for war abroad," the group said. "He has escalated the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, stepped up support for Saudi Arabia as it leads the murderous war on Yemen, and encouraged growing Israeli attacks on the Palestinians. He has threatened Venezuela with intervention and backed right-wing regimes around the world."

Labour MPs also expressed opposition to Trump's visit and slammed U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May for welcoming the president with open arms.

"Deluded, dishonest, xenophobic, narcissistic, Donald Trump is no friend of Britain," tweeted Labour MP David Lammy. "He is not fit to hold public office, let alone worthy of our country's highest honors and a banquet with the Queen. Theresa May is selling out the U.K. to a serial liar and a cheat."

Labour MP Clive Lewis said it's time to "dust off" the Trump baby blimp, which has become an international symbol of protest since its debut last year.

Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential


Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support.

Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights.

Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive.

Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most.

Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community.

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.