The prospect of a state visit by Donald Trump exposes Britain's varied political geography

Half Scottish, wholly unwelcome'THERESA the appeaser,' read one placard brandished outside Downing Street in a demonstration on January 30th. 'Free Melania!' demanded another. Theresa May's decision to offer a state visit to Donald Trump this summer has upset many in Britain. Such invitations are not extended to all presidents and involve staying with the monarch. A citizens' petition posted on Parliament's website on January 29th urges the government to cancel Mr Trump's visit, since the 'embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen' would be unacceptable. By February 2nd it had attracted 1.8m signatories'easily enough to require MPs to debate the matter on February 20th, though the government has already said it will take no notice. A rival petition, supporting the visit, had attracted about 250,000 names.Comparisons between the forces that propelled Donald Trump into the White House and Britain out of the European Union have been overdone. Although Mr Trump, who has Scottish roots, has called himself 'Mr Brexit', most of the Britons who voted to Leave would not support him. The debates and issues...Continue reading
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