Cancel Trump’s visit over ‘abhorrent massacre’ in Gaza, urges MP

Donald Trump’s visit to Britain should be cancelled, ministers have been urged, amid claims that the US leader “fuelled” an “abhorrent massacre” at the Gaza border.

Labour’s Rosena Allin-Khan described Mr Trump as a “narcissistic American president who is content to watch the world burn” as she called on the Government to scrap his trip.

The Tooting MP said she would join those protesting against his planned visit in July as she raised concerns during an urgent question on Gaza.

Israeli forces killed dozens of Palestinians and injured more than 2,700 during protests along the border on Monday, while a few miles away a ceremony was taking place in Jerusalem for the opening of the controversial new US embassy.

Ms Allin-Khan said: “The abhorrent massacre of yesterday was a fire fuelled by a narcissistic American president who is content to watch the world burn.

“Never have I felt so strongly that he should not be allowed to visit the UK, and if the planned trip goes ahead I for one shall be joining the tens of thousands of people that line the streets in protest.

“I implore this Government to cancel his visit.”

Middle East minister Alistair Burt said Ms Allin-Khan made her own points “very strongly”, but added: “It’s not the view of the United Kingdom that the best way in which to engage with any country – particularly an important power and friend such as the United States – is dealt with in the manner in which she suggests.

“But engagement and explanation and working together is the best way to deal with the concerns that we have with areas where we differ on policy.”