Honouring 'racist' Donald Trump with a state visit to would embarrass the Queen, says Sir Vince Cable

“I honestly don't know why the Government, past governments, embarrass the Queen, embarrass the country, by inviting people here for these ceremonial events, which are completely inappropriate'

Honouring “racist” Donald Trump with an official state visit would embarrass the Queen and would be “completely inappropriate”, Sir Vince Cable has said.

Speaking on the third day of the Liberal Democrat’s annual conference, the party leader said if the US President’s visit to Britain went ahead there will be a “major expression of public disquiet”.

Asked about the proposed visit – extended to the President by Theresa May just weeks after he was inaugurated – Sir Vince told BBC Breakfast: “I honestly don't know why the Government, past governments, embarrass the Queen, embarrass the country, by inviting people here for these ceremonial events, which are completely inappropriate.

”And, I think, what will happen if Trump comes, there will be a major expression of public disquiet that we are honouring somebody who is ... racist, misogynist, indulging the most appalling prejudices.”

Sir Vince said that the Prime Minister likely regretted the decision, adding: “I think, frankly, the Prime Minister is embarrassed about having made this offer, probably now finds it rather difficult to retract it.”

Recent reports have suggested, however, that Mr Trump has told the Prime Minister he does not wish to go ahead with the visit if large-scale protests were planned. The official state visit was also not mentioned in the Queen’s speech shortly after the general despite forthcoming visits usually being outlined at the event.

Sadiq Khan has previously called on Ms May to cancel the state visit due to President’s intense criticism of the London Mayor in the immediate aftermath of the London Bridge terror attack. The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also hinted in an interview with The Independent during the election campaign that he would cancel any official visit.