Why Trump’s visit is mired with diplomatic flashpointspublished at 18:45 BST
James Landale
Diplomatic correspondent
Image source, Getty ImagesThis state visit is designed to improve UK-US relations and
cement the government’s relationship with an at-times-unreliable ally.
Diplomats say the president will focus on royal pageantry and avoid
controversy.
But the potential for disagreement remains.
Peter Mandelson: The sacking of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s man in Washington, for his links to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, will cast a pall.
Questions about this may dominate Thursday’s news conference.
The risk for
ministers is that the focus shifts from Prime Minister Starmer’s competence to President
Trump’s links to Epstein.
Middle East: The UK is expected to recognise Palestinian statehood at the
United Nations next week to keep alive the idea of a two-state solution.
The US is fiercely
opposed to this, saying the move would reward terrorism and encourage Israel to
annex parts of the West Bank.
Free speech: The White House claims UK regulation of the Internet
threatens free speech, which is something ministers reject.
US officials say the issue
may come up, as it is something “we
in this administration are very much focused on”.
Protests: This state visit will take place behind a ring of steel away
from the public.
But anti-Trump demonstrations are planned and the president
could push back angrily if he watches coverage of the protests on television.