London Mayor Sadiq Khan has condemned the upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump, describing it as “un-British” to honour a leader whose actions he likens to those of far-right figures. In a strongly worded article, Khan lists Trump’s controversial policies, including his response to white supremacist marches, threats to veto a ban on rape as a weapon of war, and family separations at the US border.
Khan argues that Trump is a figurehead for a global far-right movement, citing leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, France’s Marine Le Pen, and the UK’s Nigel Farage. He accuses them of using divisive tactics to stoke fear and attack democratic institutions like equality under the law, press freedom, and an independent judiciary.
The mayor criticises the prime minister, Theresa May, for rolling out the red carpet, urging her to speak truth to power rather than appease Trump. He warns that the state visit will be viewed with “profound regret” and that Britain is on the “wrong side of history” by implicitly condoning Trump’s behaviour.
Khan acknowledges the importance of the US-UK special relationship but insists that true friendship requires honesty. He calls on May to issue a “powerful rejection” of Trump’s divisive agenda, even if it is too late to cancel the visit.
