Theresa May ‘looking forward’ to Donald Trump state visit after rejecting 1.85m-strong petition

Theresa May will welcome Donald Trump on a state visit later this year
PA
Patrick Grafton-Green15 February 2017
WEST END FINAL

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Theresa May has told Donald Trump that she is looking forward to welcoming him for a state visit after a 1.85m-strong petition calling for it to be abandoned was rejected by ministers.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister had spoken by telephone with the US president as part of their "regular engagement".

A No10 spokesman said: "They discussed a range of issues, including trade and security and also discussed the President's upcoming state visit to the UK.

“The Prime Minister said she looks forward to welcoming him later this year."

The Foreign Office rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump's trip to be downgraded, saying while the Government "recognises the strong views expressed by the many signatories", it did not support their demands.

The invitation reflected the importance of the relationship between the US and the UK, the Foreign Office said.

It said in a statement: "HM Government believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit.

Thousands of protesters march to Downing Street in Trump rally

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"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised.

"HM Government recognises the strong views expressed by the many signatories of this petition, but does not support this petition."

Hand of friendship: Theresa May and Donald Trump walk along The Colonnade at the White House (Getty Images)
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Support for the call to downgrade Mr Trump's visit because it would be "embarrassing" for the Queen snowballed after he imposed a travel ban on nationals from seven mainly Muslim countries.

The Government was compelled to reply to the petition because it garnered more than 10,000 signatures.

MPs will debate it in the House of Commons on Monday alongside a rival 300,000-strong petition in support of the state visit after they both reached the 100,000 signatures threshold to be considered for discussion in Parliament.

Meanwhile, outgoing Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has warned ministers must make extra resources available for policing the visit, which is expected to trigger mass protests.

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