London, December 14 (RHC)-- About half of the British public believes that the UK must scrap its invitation for a full state visit to U.S. President Donald Trump following his support for a British far-right group, a poll has revealed.  The exclusive survey published for The Independent by BMG Research shows 48 percent want the visit written off, with the figure increasing to 61 per cent once “don’t knows” are removed. 

An increase to the opposition toward the official trip, which would see Trump meet the Queen, came as the U.S. ambassador to London talked about a less formal visit to the UK would take place in the new year.  Trump’s journey to Britain will likely be beset by demonstrations over the President’s “Muslim travel ban” and the decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel’s capital and climate change policies. 

The poll also asked respondents whether, following criticism for Trump’s promotion of videos posted by Britain First, “should his invitation be officially withdrawn for his state visit to the UK?”   Forty eight percent of more than 1,500 people in a controlled sample questioned said the invitation should be withdrawn, while 31 per cent said it should not and 21 per cent said they did not know. 

The poll for The Independent also asked whether people thought Trump should be allowed to come to the UK in “any capacity.”  Forty three percent said he should be able to visit, 40 percent said he should not and 17 percent did not express an opinion either way, the poll revealed. 

In July Trump postponed his much-anticipated trip to the UK until 2018, after refusing to visit the country due to overwhelming protests.  Donald Trump is not likely to visit the UK before next year, a new report claims. 

The government of Prime Minister Theresa May extended Queen Elizabeth II’s invitation to Trump during a visit to the White House only a week after the Republican president's January 20 inauguration.  The visit request was met with backlash from British people and politicians alike.