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The US president will come to the Britain on Tuesday evening amidst harsh condemnation from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who claimed the US leader of fueling far-right politics around the world.

Criticism of Government Stance

Considered a open criticism to PM Keir Starmer’s administration, Khan stated that Trump’s use of military in American cities and treatment of minority groups mirrored strategies straight out of an authoritarian handbook.

Compounding the strain ahead of the visit, a planned deal to eliminate import taxes on UK steel and aluminum allegedly failed at the final hour.

Royal and Political Engagements

Throughout the visit, Trump is set to be hosted by the king and queen at the royal residence, with events including a walkthrough, a military flypast, and a state meal. Discussions with Prime Minister Starmer are planned for Thursday at the official country residence.

Although expected protests targeting Trump, the schedule is structured in a way that may prevent the president from seeing them. Nevertheless, the state occasion carries significant political risk for Starmer, notably during the scheduled joint press conference.

The Mayor’s Blunt Assessment

Via a commentary, Khan emphasized that while preserving positive links with the US is pragmatic, the UK should not hold back from criticizing a leader who, according to him, has encouraged of divisive right-wing extremism globally.

“Such behavior goes beyond being contrary to democratic principles – they are typical of the autocrat’s playbook.”

Khan, who earlier clashed with Trump during his first state visit, also criticized the military interventions and expulsions absent legal safeguards.

Appeal for Political Courage

He argued that the close ties between the UK and US requires honesty, even when it means being critical. He noted that Britain must reject the divisive tactics and social splitting.

Additionally, he criticized elected officials and media outlets for failing to condemn increasing hostility and discrimination, which he said contributed to a large extremist rally in London days earlier.

“The scenes we saw did not come from nowhere. For far too long, leaders and commentators have remained silent on the growing wave of hatred in Britain.”

Adding further, “Those in power, inaction is no longer sufficient. The time has come to take a position and say: this is not what we stand for.”

Official Reaction

PM Starmer received disapproval for what some labeled a hesitant answer to the recent protest, which featured a video message from entrepreneur Elon Musk, who allegedly warned that “conflict is imminent” and encouraged the crowd to “resist.”

But, in stronger remarks during a government gathering, Starmer stated that the UK faced “a defining battle” against social strife.

According to a summary of his comments, Starmer told officials that the assaults against police officers and a march led by a convicted criminal were not just shocking but also unnerving to many people, particularly minority residents.

Mixed Reactions within the Administration

First reactions, Minister Peter Kyle suggested that he was not concerned by the size of the event or the rhetoric expressed, arguing that it proved that liberty and free association were alive and well in the UK.

Yet, Starmer’s spokesperson afterwards explained that although freedom of speech is a fundamental principle, numerous individuals felt intimidated by calls for violence and divisive speech.

Minister Wes Streeting, addressing an advocacy gathering, criticized the notion that increasing racism and homophobia could be excused as protected expression, labeling it “absurd.”

He added, stating empathy for those who are skeptical about if the government is allying with them, and stressing that the weekend’s protest did not represent the society citizens want to live in.