South west London politicians are in dispute over Donald Trump’s visit to the UK as Tory Sutton and Cheam MP says Labour politicians are not looking beyond the short-term.
The debate comes after John Bercow’s proposed ban on the US President from addressing Parliament after his Executive Order banning travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.
Conservative MP for Sutton and Cheam Paul Scully stated although respecting the Speaker’s authority to make the decision, he strongly disagreed.
He said: “I would have been happy for Trump to speak.
“While I disagree with the distasteful ban very much, he is the President of the US and we need to engage with him.”
Mr Scully indicated that views on this contentious issue are being split down party lines, condemning Labour and SNP ministers.
“They are not looking beyond the short-term, what really matters is security,” he said.
Whereas the MP believes that most Tory colleagues are looking more long-term.
He said: “They are recognising the PM’s visit to America and the assurances that were made regarding NATO.”
This view was sharply contrasted by Labour MP for Tooting Dr Rosena Allin-Khan.
She said: “If Trump does address Parliament, I won’t be there.”
Agreeing with Mr Bercow’s ‘brave and bold’ decision, she believes it reflects what a lot of people think in Parliament.
She said: “We shouldn’t be rolling out the red carpet, we need to lead by example and can’t be seen to support the wrong attitudes in pursuit of those relationships. Where does it end?
“South west London proves that modern Britain is moving forward, Trump is taking America back to the 19th Century.”
She added: “It is unpalatable to think that Trump could share the same stage as Kofi Anan.”
Conservative Twickenham MP Tania Mathias agreed with Labour’s Dr Allin-Khan, admitting she was against the state visit, condemning the impact that the Executive Order will have on the global refugee crisis.
Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, also welcomes Mr Bercow’s decision.
He said: “The PM was wrong to issue an invitation before finding out which policies the President would pursue and how they will impact the UK.”
While Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, believes that while Mr Bercow should remain neutral, she applauded his Speaker’s stance.
Featured image courtesy of Gage Skidmore via Flickr, with thansk
