Donald Trumps anticipated second visit to the United Kingdom later this year is set to be overshadowed by protests that organizers promise will be even larger than those seen during his state visit in 2019. Campaigners with the Stop Trump coalition have vowed that their demonstrations will significantly surpass the impressive turnout of up to 250,000 participants who took part in what was dubbed a "carnival of resistance" against the former president.

During an event on Thursday, Trump inadvertently revealed that he expects to visit the UK in September. This announcement came shortly after Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, extended a personal invitation from King Charles III during his visit to the White House in February of this year, which has added a layer of controversy to the invitation.

Zoe Gardner, a spokesperson for the Stop Trump coalition, expressed confidence that the current sentiment against Trump remains strong across the nation. She stated, "This time it will be even bigger, uniting campaigners across a huge range of issues. We are confident that the disgust at Donald Trump is just as strong across the country." This shows that the coalition is not just focused on anti-Trump sentiment, but is also aiming to highlight a variety of social issues that they believe Trump negatively impacts.

Among the planned protest icons is a familiar sight: a blimp depicting Trump in a diaper, which became a symbol of anti-Trump protests in the past. Gardner mentioned that they plan not only to bring back the original blimp but also to create a larger and more impressive version. She said, "The blimp will be there or something even bigger and better. The blimp itself still exists, but we are thinking we want to take the next step and do something even more exciting." This playful approach to protest illustrates the creative strategies organizers are employing to draw attention to their cause.

In the lead-up to these protests, the coalition hopes that the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, will once again grant permission for their blimps to soar over the city. Gardner noted the importance of obtaining the necessary approvals from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and police, stating, "Last time, Sadiq Khan gave us permission to fly it. He will probably do so again, but we will have to get various permission from the GLA and the police. It might be different from last time, but we are confident that a lot of people will want to come out on to the streets and show their disgust." This underscores the ongoing negotiations between protest organizers and government officials regarding the exercise of free speech and assembly.

The upcoming demonstrations will not only serve as a platform for expressing discontent with Trump but will also present a challenge for law enforcement, especially with recent legislative changes that grant police greater powers to manage protests. Gardner articulated their vision for the event, emphasizing that it should be both a significant protest and a celebration of the rights and values that they see Trump as opposing. "We want it to be a defiant but joyful celebration of all the things that Trump hates, such as the rights of LGBTQ people, the rights of women, the rights of migrants and refugees, union power, and workers rights. It will celebrate every marginalized group in society," she said.

Furthermore, the protests will target the tech and business leaders who have shown support for Trump. Gardner stated, "If we had one strapline it would be Stop Trump and fight the oligarchy. We are against empowering the super-rich, including treating Gaza like real estate and chumming up to Putin and the tech billionaires who are looking to the UK for tax breaks." This indicates a broader agenda that encompasses economic justice and accountability in addition to political protest.

In addition to the blimp and other artistic elements, organizers plan to feature giant papier-mch representations of major tech figures such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk, who were previously criticized during Trumps inauguration. There will also be a whimsical performance by a dancing troupe of chlorinated chickens, a satirical nod to the UKs proposed trade deal with the United States.

The Stop Trump coalition counts numerous advocacy groups among its supporters, including Global Justice Now, the Indivisibles Movement from the US, as well as organizations advocating for Palestinian and Ukrainian rights. This diverse backing reflects a wide-ranging coalition of interests that intersect with the sentiments against Trump.

The context of Starmer's invitation to Trump has raised eyebrows, as many see it as part of a strategy to secure a favorable trade deal with the US. Gardner voiced her concerns about Starmer's approach, stating that protesters will likely express their displeasure with both Starmer and Trump. "Starmer should be shamed by these demonstrations. The whole country has been embarrassed by his display of rolling over like a pathetic poodle to whatever Trump does. Starmers approach of sucking up is not getting us anywhere," she criticized.

As the plans for protests unfold, Gardner is inviting creative ideas from the public to ensure that the demonstration effectively conveys the message they wish to send. "We are looking for anyone who has a fun idea to come forward because we really want to show Trump what we think of him," she concluded. The anticipation of the protests suggests a vibrant and passionate public response to Trump's visit, reflecting the ongoing political tensions and the mobilization of grassroots movements in the UK.