​Any visit by Trump to Scotland will be met by mass protests, say activists

Charities, campaigners and trade unionists have been invited to a meeting to decide how to protest against a state visit by Donald Trump.

A meeting will take place in Glasgow on 14 February, aimed at laying the groundwork for a united response by those who believe the US president should not receive the red carpet treatment.

During a meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, No10 confirmed the US President would come to the UK this year.

There has been speculation that Trump will venture north of the border, fuelled by the President's high praise of Scotland in a television interview, and his family connections.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has said plans must be made now to co-ordinate mass opposition.

He has written to all party leaders and a host of trade unions and campaign groups and charities, inviting them to the meeting.

In his letter he says: "I am appalled at the prospect of President Trump coming to this country on a state visit. It is my view, and that of the Scottish Labour Party, that someone who holds such misogynist, racist and anti-trade union views, not to mention dangerous beliefs on foreign policy and peace in the world, and who rejects the Paris Climate Change Agreement, should not be given the red carpet treatment."

He adds: "Scottish Labour does not support a state visit by President Trump to the UK and Scotland. If he is to come to Scotland, in such a capacity, it is my strongly held belief that we should let President Trump know that Scotland is united in rejecting his view of the world and his vision for it.

"It is important that we start to organise this united campaign now. I would therefore like to invite you to a meeting that considers our response in the event of a state visit this year."

Among those invited to attend are Abortion Rights Scotland, Engender, Women 50:50 and Zero Tolerance.