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Trump 'finally gets his big day in Parliament'

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He is scheduled to address Parliament for the first time as part of a historic second state visit.

He will extend an invitation from the King when he meets the US President in Washington this week.

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It would be part of an effort to promote British interests and make it clear to Mr. Trump that the UK is his true partner. "Hopefully, this would lead to better engagement for the UK," a senior source stated.

The three "keyholders" of Westminster Hall, where foreign leaders typically address Parliament, are the Commons Speaker, the Lord Speaker, and the Lord Great Chamberlain, who is represented by Black Rod.

All three parties must agree for a visit to occur, following a request from the government. In 2017, then-Speaker Mr. Bercow barred Mr. Trump from addressing Parliament during his state visit.

The President was welcomed, and he gave a lot of praise to the Queen during the state dinner in his honor. However, Mr. Bercow used his veto power to prevent a formal address to Parliament based on Mr. Trump's immigration policies. He told MPs that such a visit was 'not an automatic right, it is an earned honor'.

High-ranking officials have confirmed to The Mail on Sunday that this time both the Lord Speaker and Commons Speaker would welcome a visit.

One source stated: 'Trump is the leader of the free world. He has just been elected with a large majority. Why would you want to say no? It will be intriguing to see what he will convey to Parliament.'

The visit would involve an address to both Houses of Parliament, with Members of Parliament, Peers, and senior staff invited.

Last night, President Trump delivered a comprehensive speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, highlighting the achievements of his first month in office.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Washington for a meeting with Mr. Trump on Thursday. They will have a private meeting, followed by a joint appearance in the Oval Office and a joint press conference. The Prime Minister plans to announce during the visit the target date for increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, as well as

Strengthening Britain's commitment to supporting Ukraine – an effort to reassure President Trump that Europe is willing to take further action.

He will also formally extend an invitation to President Trump for a state visit, which would make him the first elected leader to receive the invitation twice in modern history.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. US Ambassador Lord Mandelson is also expected to attend.

Last night, Sir Keir's plans to offer a state visit were praised by politicians from both major parties. One senior Labour MP stated: "It makes sense to offer a state visit. The Prime Minister needs to clearly convey that he will not change his position on Ukraine and the Russian invasion.

He needs to strike a balance between being firm and being friendly – it's a delicate balance. He must clearly communicate our values while also conveying a message of friendship to Trump, rather than simply being confrontational.

The MP described the visit as "really fraught." The question is, to whom will he pay attention? We want that attention to be directed towards us.

The last US president to address Parliament during an official state visit was Barack Obama in 2011. Ronald Reagan also addressed MPs in 1982 and Bill Clinton in 1995, though neither of those instances occurred during a state visit.

A source close to Lord McFall, the Speaker of the upper house, stated that he would not object to Mr. Trump addressing Parliament.

In 2017, Lord Fowler criticized Mr. Bercow's decision to ban Mr. Trump. The former speaker had told MPs: 'Following President Trump's imposition of a migrant ban, I am even more strongly opposed to President Trump speaking in Westminster Hall.'

It is understood that ministers have yet to make a formal request to the Speakers of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. However, sources close to both Speakers said that a repeat of Mr. Bercow's ban would not occur.

Former Tory veterans minister Tobias Ellwood, who attended Mr Trump's inauguration, welcomed the state visit plans and said the Royal Family's involvement was necessary, as it is 'one of the most critical aspects of Britain that Trump respects and wants, something the United States does not have'.

He added: 'If we're going to have any form of leverage, we need to use it, completely.'

Any chance to enhance communication, convey our message, and influence the White House to adopt a different perspective should be seized at every opportunity. We need to convince the White House that it's in America's best interest to have a strong Europe, which is more effectively achieved through state visits and discreet communication channels.

Mr. Ellwood, a fellow of the Atlantic Council think tank, stated: "We must not become sidetracked by the commotion of commentary, or intimidated by sensationalized language. We want to maintain a close relationship with America."

Some lawmakers expressed concern that discussions about a state visit would be an unwanted diversion from more pressing matters.

Labour MP Alex Sobel stated: 'Keir Starmer has correctly said the UK Government is prepared and willing to intervene to ensure Ukraine's security as part of international efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

'Three years have now passed since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, with the aim of seizing Kyiv and toppling the democratically elected Ukrainian government. Our collective focus should be on securing a just, equitable, and enduring peace for the people of Ukraine.'

Sources near to Mr. Trump indicate that they anticipate Thursday's meeting will be "courteous and productive" despite the existing tensions regarding Ukraine.

'The President has consistently prioritized America's distinct bond with Britain, a longstanding ally and friend. However, he will continue to place America's interests above all else,' the sources stated.

In addition to Westminster Hall, speeches by foreign leaders may also take place in the Royal Gallery or Robing Room, depending on the size of the gathering.

Mr. Reagan addressed Parliament in the Royal Gallery after Labour's Michael Foot prevented him from speaking in Westminster Hall.

  • Additional reporting by Caroline Graham
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