Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has been accused of “deeply disrespecting” King Charles by boycotting Donald Trump's State Banquet next month.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel's comments came after Sir Ed announced he would decline an invitation to the dinner hosted by King Charles at St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
Responding to the announcement, Dame Priti said: "[It's] an act of deep disrespect to His Majesty the King.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has been accused of 'deeply disrespecting' King Charles
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“It shows appalling judgement. America is our closest ally and security partner, and the world’s biggest economy.
“Ed Davey has once again proved he is not a serious leader and more interested in pathetic gesture politics,” the Conservative MP for Witham said.
A Lib Dem source shot back, telling GB News: “Priti Patel has a brass neck to talk about disrespecting the royal family.
“The Conservatives partied in Downing Street while the late Queen mourned her husband.
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel slammed Sir Ed's decision to boycott Trump's State Banquet next month
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“Ed deeply respects the King and hasn’t taken this decision lightly,” the source continued.
“He has had to weigh up the most effective way to send Donald Trump a message on Gaza.
“This is about principles, not gestures, so it’s no wonder the Conservatives don’t understand it,” they concluded.
Earlier, Sir Ed said that he and his wife, Emily Gasson, had “spent all summer” considering how to respond to an invitation to the banquet.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to the UK on September 17
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After much considering and “prayer,” the couple decided there could only be “one way” to bring the issue to both President Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
“There is no honour like an invitation from the King, and not to accept his invitation goes against all of our instincts,” the Lib Dem leader said.
“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.
“Boycotting the banquet is the one way I can send a message to Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they can’t close their eyes and wish this away.
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The Lib Dem leader and his wife had been present at the state banquet held for French President Emmanuel Macron in July
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“We have to speak up. They have to act. Donald Trump must act to end this humanitarian crisis,” Sir Ed concluded.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to the UK for a state visit from September 17 to September 19.
As part of the trip, they will be treated to a banquet in the grand surrounds of St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.
Around 150 guests usually attend as as leader of the third largest party, Sir Ed Davey would be inked an invite.
The Lib Dem leader was present for a similar soiree held to honour French President Emmanuel Macron in July.