Labour MPs have been busy this week. No, not running the country – but voicing their opposition to Donald Trump’s state visit. Diane Abbott, Nadia Whittome and Clive Lewis are among 17 parliamentarians campaigning to ensure the US President isn’t allowed to address the Houses of Parliament. Their Early Day Motion rehearses various criticisms of the President – ‘misogynism, racism and xenophobia’ and his treatment of Ukraine – and says it would be ‘inappropriate’ for Trump to be given the honour when he comes to the UK in September.
Like him or loathe him, MPs must treat Trump with respec
This legislative stunt is unlikely to trouble Trump. The Early Day Motion (EDM) in itself is meaningless. It is a device for MPs to give vent to their feelings but, although it is formally a motion to put to the House of Commons, it will never be debated because EDMs never reach that stage.
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