UK government pleads with Prince Harry not to invite Obama to his wedding
The UK government has expressed concern over the attendance of former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle to Prince Harry’s wedding.
There has been speculation in the British media that the White House might take offense if Harry invites Obama, with whom he is friends with, but not US President Donald Trump.
“The 33-year-old prince has become good friends with the Obamas since bonding with them during the Invictus Games,” The Sun reported.
“There are deep fears among senior Foreign Office and No10 officials that another perceived national snub will make it impossible for [UK Prime Minister] Theresa May to meaningfully engage with Trump,” the newspaper said.
Trump told May he would not visit London for his controversial state visit until he is guaranteed a "better reception" amid fears of popular protests.
“When I know I’m going to get a better reception,” the president said in June, “I’ll come and not before.”
Trump, was due to visit the UK in 2018, but a date is yet to be confirmed. The working visit, which would not involve meeting Queen Elizabeth, would likely avoid the mass protests threatened by a full-blown state visit.
May also scolded Trump in September and again in November for irresponsible tweets about Britain.
Last month, Trump provoked a wave of anger and disgust from US human rights groups and UK politicians for re-tweeting incendiary anti-Muslim videos posted by Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of the far-right group Britain First.
Read more:
“Harry has made it clear he wants the Obamas at the wedding, so it’s causing a lot of nervousness,” a senior government official told The Sun.
“Trump could react very badly if the Obamas get to a Royal wedding before he has had a chance to meet the Queen.”
“If the PM lays down the law, Harry will just have to suck it up,” the source says, despite the fact the wedding is not a state occasion.
UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called Trump a “threat” to the world and said he should not be allowed in to the UK because of his “reckless” policies, specifically his ill-fated visa ban against people from several Muslim countries.
Russia: Poland’s talks on hosting US nuclear weapons ‘dangerous’
Russia says weighs downgrading ties with US if assets are seized
Iran urges US to stop support for Israel as university revolt spreads
VIDEO | New national transport strike hits Italy
US to pull out troops from Chad in second African state withdrawal
Yemeni armed forces strike British oil tanker in Red Sea
VIDEO | Genocide in Gaza
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | American, Israeli rabbis call for ceasefire during protest near Gaza
Iran calls for enhanced defense cooperation with Russia
US campus crackdown: 500 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
