Government officials involved in the planning of Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain believe he is not interested in addressing MPs and peers, and instead wants to focus on the pomp and ceremony afforded to foreign leaders. One source said speaking to politicians inside parliament would represent the “ultimate establishment” act, and go against what Trump stands for. Meanwhile, a separate petition calling for Trump’s visit to go ahead has attracted just under 300,000 names. The government source suggested Trump would not want to risk embarrassment, saying the pictures he wanted broadcast to the US were of meetings with dignitaries rather than protests and boycotts. Vladimir Putin was afforded a state visit, but did not make an address.

Source: The Guardian February 05, 2017 13:45 UTC