May focused on boosting US trade relationship during Trump’s visit
STRENGTHENING trade and defence links will be the focal point of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, the Prime Minister has said.
As part of the trip Theresa May and the President will watch a joint counter-terrorism exercise carried out by British and US special forces, as well as holding talks on Brexit and international issues.
Boosting the post-Brexit economic relationship between the two nations will feature heavily during Mr Trump’s first visit to the UK as President.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival today, Mrs May said: “When we leave the European Union we will begin to chart a new course for Britain in the world and our global alliances will be stronger than ever.
“There is no stronger alliance than that of our special relationship with the US and there will be no alliance more important in the years ahead.
“The UK and the US already have a uniquely close partnership in the fight for democracy and global security and we share a global outlook across the vast majority of foreign policy issues.
“Our trade and investment relationship is unrivalled — we are the largest investors in each other’s economies and every day a million British people go to work for US companies in the UK and a million Americans go to work
for UK companies in the US.
“This week we have an opportunity to deepen this unique trading relationship and begin discussions about how we will forge a strengthened, ambitious and future-proof trade
partnership. As two nations we are safer, more prosperous and more creative when we work together and I am looking forward to this week’s important discussions.”
Mr Trump will be
met by International Trade Secretary Liam Fox when he touches down in the UK this afternoon.
Mrs May will host the president and Melania Trump at a dinner at Blenheim Palace this evening and a military ceremony will greet the President as he arrives.
Tomorrow, Mrs May and President Trump will hold talks at Chequers, before the US President travels to Windsor Castle to meet the Queen.