Call off King's US state visit over Iran war, urge Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats want Sir Keir Starmer to prevent the King visiting the United States next month over Donald Trump's criticism of the British response on Iran. The monarch and Queen Camilla are reported to be planning to meet the US president in a state visit at the end of April. But Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the visit should not go ahead, as it would hand a "huge diplomatic coup" to Trump during US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Downing Street has declined to comment, telling reporters on Monday that a visit is yet to be confirmed. The conflict has strained transatlantic ties, after Sir Keir initially refused to allow American planes to use British bases to launch bombing raids on the country. The UK has since authorised the US to use its bases to launch "defensive" strikes on missile sites in Iran used to launch retaliatory attacks, whilst RAF planes have also been sent to intercept Iranian drones and missiles. But it has prompted criticism from the US president, who branded Sir Keir "no Winston Churchill" last week, and accused him on Saturday of wanting to "join wars after we've already won". The two leaders spoke on Sunday for the first time since the row escalated, alth