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The Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said he will boycott the state banquet for US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK next month in order to "send a message" to the US president about Gaza's humanitarian crisis. The decision, the UK politician has explained, follows both he and his wife praying over the matter.
The Lib Dem leader said it went against his "instincts" to decline an invitation from the King, describing the invite as an "honour", reports the BBC. But he explained that Trump's influence over the key state actors involved in the situation in Gaza, namely Israel, Qatar and various Gulf states, means the US president "has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza and get the hostages released".
Regarding the role of prayer in coming to a decision about what to do, he said: "[My wife] Emily and I have spent all summer thinking about this and have prayed about it. There is no honour like an invitation from the King, and not to accept his invitation goes against all of our instincts.
"But I fear we could have a situation where Donald Trump comes to our country, is honoured with a lavish dinner at one of our finest palaces, yet no one reminds him that he has the power to stop the horrifying starvation and death in Gaza and get the hostages released.
"If Donald Trump tells [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu to stop this, it ends tomorrow. If Donald Trump uses his influence over Qatar and other Gulf states that Hamas relies on, all the hostages could come home tomorrow."
He concluded: "Boycotting the banquet is the one way I can send a message to Donald Trump and [UK Prime Minister] Keir Starmer that they can't close their eyes and wish this away. We have to speak up, they have to act. Donald Trump must act to end this humanitarian crisis."
The US president and his wife, Melania, will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla for what will be Donald Trump's second state visit, from 17 to 19 September, which includes a banquet in St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
Around 150 guests are typically invited to such grand dinners, ranging from politicians and diplomats to religious leaders and celebrities. As leader of the UK's third biggest political party, Sir Ed has previously attended several state banquets, including the one for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit last month.
The BBC notes that Sir Keir Starmer has described the second invitation as "historic" and "unprecedented", with the British broadcaster explaining that second-term presidents traditionally are not offered a state visit and are instead invited for tea or lunch with the monarch.
While Donald Trump will be given a full ceremonial welcome this second time around, he will not get an opportunity to address MPs, given that the House of Commons breaks up for the annual party conference season the day before he is due to arrive in the UK.
The Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel, criticised Davey's decision for showing "appalling judgment" around a visit from "our closest ally and security partner".
"This is an act of deep disrespect to His Majesty the King," she said.
The Lib Dem leader told the BBC he meant "no disrespect" to the King and had "written to him personally" about his decision that he had "wrestled with".
Sir Ed Davey is known for speaking publicly about his Christian faith and that it influences his politics. He is reported to attend an Anglican church.
During his public service, he has been a staunch proponent for and defender of the role and importance of carers in the UK, following his own personal experiences of caring for his terminally ill mother, followed by caring for a disabled son.
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Photo: Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, delivers a speech on his party's plans for the economy at the Institute for Public Policy Research, London, England, 16 July 2025. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images.)
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