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British government rejects petition to cancel Trump's visit
Siranush Ghazanchyan Send an email February 14, 2017, 14:12
The British Government has officially rejected a petition calling for Donald Trump's state visit to the UK to be cancelled, The Independent reports.
Nearly two million people signed the petition on the official Parliament website, with the number still rising.
In a written response the Foreign Office said it did not agree with the request and would extend "the full courtesy of a State Visit" to the controversial US president.
The Government's statement says: "HM Government believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a State Visit. We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised.
"HM Government recognises the strong views expressed by the many signatories of this petition, but does not support this petition.
"During her visit to the United States on 27 January 2017, the Prime Minister, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, invited President Trump for a State Visit to the UK later this year.
"The invitation was accepted. This invitation reflects the importance of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. At this stage, final dates have not yet been agreed for the State Visit."
The petition will still be debated by MPs in Westminster Hall, however.