Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has declined an invitation to Donald Trump’s state banquet at Buckingham Palace next month, citing his Christian faith.
Davey said he felt morally conflicted about attending because of the U.S. president’s stance on Gaza.
Sir Ed told the BBC's Today program: “I had to pray about it. I am a Christian, and my wife and I go to our local church, St. Andrew’s and St. Mark’s, very regularly.
“My faith is very important to me and to my wife, and although… other people say religion doesn’t impact your politics, it does impact mine.
“I don’t talk about it very much, but on this I had to be very honest. I’ve thought and prayed about this. I really have.”
It marks a shift from last year’s election cycle, when Davey seemed to avoid discussions about his personal faith.
The Conservatives have accused Sir Ed of disrespecting the King by boycotting the banquet.
Davey confirmed that he has personally written to the King but stood by his “difficult” decision: “I have huge respect for the King. I’ve had the huge honor of meeting him on a number of occasions, and I respect him and our monarchy.”
“Boycotting the banquet is the one way I can send a message to Donald Trump and Keir Starmer that they can’t close their eyes and wish this away,” he said. “We have to speak up, they have to act. Donald Trump must act to end this humanitarian crisis.”