Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has refused an invitation from King Charles to a state dinner with Donald Trump in protest over Gaza.

Sir Ed, who has been vocal in his disapproval of the US president, said he "thought and prayed long and hard" about whether to accept the invitation to the state banquet at Windsor Castle during Mr Trump's historic second visit next month.

"I have come to the conclusion that on this occasion I must refuse," he wrote in The Guardian.

The Lib Dem leader said it is an "enormous honour" to receive an invitation from the king, and he takes "very seriously my duty to our sovereign".

"To refuse an invitation like this goes against all my instincts," he added.

But, he said he fears Mr Trump will be honoured with a "lavish dinner at one of our finest palace

See Full Page