Anti-Trump activists have revealed the Donald Trump baby blimp will fly over London once again this summer in protest against the US president’s state visit to the UK.
The six-metre-high balloon – depicting Mr Trump as an orange, nappy-wearing infant – was first hoisted in Parliament Square during his visit to Britain last year and campaigners are hoping to stage even bigger demonstrations when he arrives in June.
Leo Murray, who helped crowdfund the blimp last year, and his fellow activists are reportedly “toying” with the idea of raising money for a baby hot air balloon about five times the size of the original balloon.
Asad Rehman, executive director of War on Want and an organiser of the Stop Trump Coalition, said campaigners still had to obtain a licence to allow the original baby balloon to be flown.
“Wherever it flies it will be close to Buckingham Palace and Donald Trump will have no option but to see himself up there in the sky. We have to negotiate where and when but we’re confident it will be flying,” he said.
Mr Rehman added: “We think it’s important we send a powerful signal to Donald Trump, to reject not just Donald Trump as an individual but his politics – he’s a climate change denier and fosters bigotry and hatred.”
Since it first appeared over London, the baby balloon has been used at protests in New York City, Paris and Dublin.
The Stop Trump Coalition and Stand Up To Trump, a range of campaigns against war, austerity and racism, staged protests during the US president’s last UK visit. The two bodies have again joined forces for the planned Together Against Trump demonstrations.
Mr Trump is expected to spend part of his visit at Buckingham Palace where a state banquet will be staged in his honour, but he will not be staying at the Queen’s royal residence.
Prime Minister Theresa May hailed the visit – planned for 3 June to 5 June – as a chance for the UK and the US “to strengthen our already close relationship”.
The White House said it would “reaffirm the steadfast and special relationship” between the two nations.
