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Donald Trump is set to touch down in the United Kingdom on Tuesday evening following strong criticism from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who stated the president of encouraging far-right politics worldwide.

Challenges to Starmer’s Approach

In what is seen as a clear rebuke to PM Keir Starmer’s government, Khan stated that the president’s use of military in American cities and actions toward ethnic communities mirrored tactics typical of an authoritarian handbook.

Adding to the political pressure ahead of the state visit, a planned arrangement to remove trade barriers on British steel and aluminum allegedly fell through at the last minute.

Royal and Political Engagements

During his stay, Trump is expected to spend time with the king and queen at the royal residence, with plans including a tour, a military flypast, and a state meal. Discussions with Prime Minister Starmer are planned for the following day at the prime minister’s retreat.

Although expected protests against Trump, the schedule is structured in a way that may prevent the president from witnessing them. Still, the visit involves significant potential backlash for Starmer, especially during the planned public statements.

Khan’s Strong Words

Via a opinion piece, Khan highlighted that while keeping positive links with the US is practical, the UK should not hold back from challenging a leader who, according to him, has fanned the flames of polarizing right-wing extremism internationally.

“Such behavior goes beyond being at odds with western values – they are straight out of the authoritarian’s handbook.”

Khan, who previously sparred with Trump during his 2019 visit, also condemned the use of military force and removals lacking proper procedure.

Urging of Moral Clarity

Khan asserted that the special relationship between the UK and US should include openness, even when it means being critical. He remarked that Britain must stand against the politics of fear and social splitting.

Khan also pointed fingers at British politicians and media outlets for not speaking out against growing hostility and discrimination, which he said contributed to a significant extremist rally in London over the weekend.

“The scenes that unfolded did not emerge out of thin air. For far too long, leaders and pundits have refused to condemn the increase of hostility in this country.”

Adding further, “Those in power, silence is no longer sufficient. The time has come to speak out and say: this isn’t what we stand for.”

Official Reaction

Prime Minister Starmer received criticism for what some described as a delayed reaction to the weekend’s protest, which involved a address from tech mogul Elon Musk, who allegedly claimed that “conflict is imminent” and egged on the crowd to “push back.”

But, in firm remarks during a ministerial discussion, Starmer emphasized that the UK faced “a defining battle” against polarization.

Per a account of his address, Starmer told ministers that the assaults against law enforcement and a protest organized by a felon were not only alarming but also unnerving to citizens, notably minority residents.

Varied Views within Government

Early comments, Business Secretary Peter Kyle remarked that he was not concerned by the scope of the protest or the language expressed, claiming that it showed that freedom of expression and free association were alive and well in the UK.

Yet, Starmer’s spokesperson later clarified that although free expression is a core value, many people felt frightened by calls for violence and hateful speech.

Minister Wes Streeting, addressing an community organization, rejected the notion that increasing bigotry and discrimination could be justified as free speech, calling it “absurd.”

He added, expressing awareness for those who are skeptical about if the administration is on their side, and stressing that the weekend’s demonstration did not represent the nation the public choose to live in.