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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canadians were not “impressed” by the UK government’s invitation to US President Donald Trump for a second state visit. <\/p>\n
The newly elected Carney told Sky News that the UK’s invitation earlier this year did not help Canadians, who were facing repeat comments from Trump about making Canada the 51st US state. <\/p>\n
“To be frank, [Canadians] weren’t impressed by that gesture… given the circumstance,” he said. “It was at a time when we were being quite clear about the issues around sovereignty.”<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Trump to come to the UK for a visit during a meeting at the White House in February.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Asked whether the invitation was “appropriate”, Carney said that was a decision for the government of the UK and Buckingham Palace.<\/p>\n
“I leave the diplomacy to the UK government,” he said.<\/p>\n
The BBC has contacted the Carney’s office and No 10 for comment.<\/p>\n
Buckingham Palace declined to respond. <\/p>\n
The criticism from Carney comes as the Canadians prepare to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the end of this month for a royal visit. <\/p>\n
During the Sky News interview, Carney said his invitation for the King – Canada’s head of state – to attend the opening of Canada’s Parliament “is not coincidental”. <\/p>\n
“It is also a reaffirming moment, will be a reaffirming,” Carney said, saying issues around Canada’s sovereignty “have been accentuated by the president”.<\/p>\n
During his visit, the King will also read the Speech from the Throne – a function usually carried out by the governor general.<\/p>\n