Boycotting Trump’s State Dinner: A Call for Peace in Gaza

When US President Donald Trump visited Scotland earlier this year, he was met with widespread protests. His arrival in Windsor this week was no different. His visit will cost the UK millions in policing and security, yet since his re-election last year, Trump’s influence is often used in ways that destabilise rather than strengthen global peace. That is why I am proud to support our Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey’s decision to boycott this week’s state dinner. Ed’s choice has been used to send a powerful and important message: Trump could, if he chose, use his unique position and influence to help end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The reality is that Trump has the leverage to push Prime Minister Netanyahu to halt the assault on Gaza City, lift the aid blockade that is driving famine, and secure the release of hostages. He could also use his influence with Qatar and other Gulf states to strengthen negotiations. If he truly wanted to, Trump could put the peace process back on the table and help deliver the long-overdue two-state solution. But so far, he has refused to act.

The scale of the crisis in Gaza is overwhelming. Last week, my colleague Calum Miller secured an urgent question in the Commons regarding the unprecedented airstrikes in Doha targeting Hamas negotiators there. This week, a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As I write, the ground offensive in Gaza City is underway. Two Labour MPs have been barred from entering Israel to visit the West Bank. Israeli hostages are still being held by Hamas. A solution to this conflict seems further away than ever.

Many constituents have written to me about the students from Gaza with scholarship places at UK universities, including at St Andrews, who have been unable to leave. Since May, I have been working closely with the University and other MPs to raise this repeatedly with the Home Office. With the recent evacuations of several children with severe medical needs, I am hopeful that further evacuations will take place and those students coming to St Andrews get to safely commence their studies. 

Ultimately, our goal must be to see the UK Government use every diplomatic tool available to press for peace. I hope the Prime Minister used this state visit as an opportunity to urge the US to step up and support a genuine, lasting two-state solution.