Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK later this year is set to be met with 'even bigger' protests than those during his 2019 visit, campaigners have vowed. The Stop Trump coalition plans to revive its iconic blimp of the US president dressed in a nappy, and is considering an even larger replacement.
The coalition expects demonstrations to surpass the 2019 'carnival of resistance', which saw up to 250,000 participants. Spokesperson Zoe Gardner stated: 'This time it will be even bigger, uniting campaigners across a huge range of issues. We are confident that the disgust at Donald Trump is just as strong across the country.'
Protesters aim to target not only Trump but also tech and business leaders who have backed him, including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Giant papier-mache models of these figures will feature, alongside a dancing troupe of chlorinated chickens mocking a potential UK-US trade deal.
The coalition also plans to criticise Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who invited Trump to the UK as part of a charm offensive to secure a favourable trade agreement. Gardner said: 'Starmer should be shamed by these demonstrations. The whole country has been embarrassed by his display of rolling over like a pathetic poodle.'
The protests will celebrate values opposed by Trump, including LGBTQ and women's rights, migrant and refugee rights, and workers' rights. The coalition is seeking permission from London Mayor Sadiq Khan to fly the blimp, and expects widespread public support.
