At the Liberal Democrats Spring Conference 2026, members approved a motion to reduce the influence of foreign powers – particularly the United States – on British Politics. They want British Businesses to be financially compensated by the White House if they have been “hit by Trump’s unconstitutional Tariffs” and advise HM King Charles to call off his state visit to the US in April.
During this debate, many international world leaders were criticised. Netenyahu was described as Trump’s “henchman”, and Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were called dictators. But no one was quite as criticised as the POTUS himself.
In both his Q & A and closing speech, Ed Davey highlighted the party’s stance against Trump. He advertised it as the thing that made the Lib Dems stand out against other parties. It’s no surprise, then, that Trump had the honour of getting a whole emergency debate dedicated to himself.
MP Calum Miller explained the Lib Dems’ opposition in more detail when introducing the motion. He cited several instances where the Trump Administration undermined international law. Miller brought up the “illegal” war in Iran, the “kidnapping” of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the US’ alliance with Netanyahu and Trump’s wish to invade Greenland. The motion itself discussed Trump’s “withdrawal of the US from 66 international agreements and agencies”.
Speaking up about the “unilateral and illegal war in Iran”, Harry and Meghan’s former advisor (I was just as surprised) took to the stage to share his experience at a hospital in Jordan. James Holt talked about the devastating consequences of war, particularly to children. “The same people who create conflicts are those who weaponise its consequences,” he concluded.
On the topic of Royalty, the motion also urged King Charles not to visit the US in April. This visit was described as “yet another huge diplomatic coup for President Trump”. The Lib Dems even went so far as to argue that it would put his majesty “in an embarrassing situation”.
But Trump wasn’t the only bee in the Lib Dem’s bonnet this weekend. Nigel Farage was just as much a favourite.
The US cabinet was accused of “trying to get involved in European politics through the White House actively supporting right-wing extremists like Tommy Robinson”. The members voted to pass an amendment stating that a “standalone review into the extent of US interference in British politics” should be conducted.
Author Mark Pack argued that “the US are looking to support the most violent amongst us”. He went on to criticise Labour safeguards as “not good enough”. It would still be easy for foreign powers to donate to UK political parties.
Trump’s “unconstitutional” and “legally void” tariffs were also criticised. They were blamed for causing significant financial harm to UK exporters. The Lib Dems even went on to argue that British Businesses “deserve to be refunded” if they were affected.
“We are the party of free trade. We have always been the party of free trade. We will always be the party of free trade. We need a government that will stand up for free trade. We need a party that will stand up for Britain’s workers”.
Unfortunately, although Trump is the Lib Dems’pet topic, he is unlikely to ever respond, or even see, these big claims.