Canadian PM criticizes UK's invitation to Trump for state visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has voiced his disapproval over the UK's invitation to Donald Trump for a second state visit, arguing that it undermines Canada's efforts to present a unified stance against Trump's rhetoric on annexing Canada. Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, a notion that has angered many Canadians and placed Britain in a delicate position between the two nations.

As King Charles is also the head of state of Canada, he has made symbolic gestures to strengthen ties, such as wearing Canadian medals, planting a maple tree, and referring to himself as the king of Canada. The monarch, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is set to attend Canada's state opening of parliament on May 27, marking the first visit of a British monarch to Ottawa for this event since 1977.

In an interview with Sky News, Carney commented on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s February move to offer Trump an invitation for a second state visit. Carney stated that Canadians were not pleased with this gesture, particularly given the sovereignty issues at the time. "It was not well-received, especially considering the context," Carney explained.

Carney, who won the prime ministership in March after pledging to confront Trump, emphasized that the presence of King Charles in Canada later this month was intentional. "The president's actions have highlighted Canada's sovereignty issues, and this visit is a reaffirmation for Canadians," Carney noted.

In an effort to strengthen trade relations with the U.S. after Brexit, Starmer has tried to emphasize Britain’s security expertise, increased defense spending, and the pageantry associated with a state visit in his dealings with Trump. Trump, who has often praised the British royal family, agreed to a limited bilateral trade deal with the UK earlier this month.

In response to Carney's criticism, British minister Pat McFadden told Sky News that each country has the right to manage its relations with others as it sees fit.