One petition, with more than 1.85 millions signatures, calls for the visit to be stripped of the trappings of a state occasion in order to avoid causing "embarrassment" to the Queen.

The other, supported by around 312,000 signatories, insists the state visit goes ahead.

The Government, in its official response to the petitions, stressed ministers believed "the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit".

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Mr Flynn said only two US presidents have been offered a state visit since 1952.

SNP MP Alex Salmond, intervening, noted: "The question of the seven-day invitation - would you interpret desperation as the reason?

"And if you're able to see desperation for a trade deal, do you think that President Trump might be able to detect it as well?"

Mr Flynn replied: "The word comes to mind when we think of the circumstances of our beleaguered Prime Minister."

Labour MP Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) also said of Mr Trump: "To use the expression 'Grab them by the pussy' describes a sexual assault, and therefore suggests he should not be afforded a visit to our Queen."

Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) recalled previous invitations, asking Mr Flynn: "What complaint did you make when Emperor Hirohito came here, who was responsible for the rape of Nanking?"

Mr Flynn replied: "There have been many people here who were less welcome than others. That's absolutely true.

"But we've had people here, very unsavoury characters and not from the United States as it happens.

"But certainly we can't try to imitate the errors of the past. We should set an example of making sure we don't make those mistakes again."