May assures Trump she is ‘looking forward’ to state visit, despite huge petition
THERESA May told Donald Trump yesterday she looks forward to welcoming him to Britain this year after the Government said he will receive the “full courtesy” of a state visit.
They spoke after the Government rejected a petition signed by 1.85 million people saying the President should not be given “state visit status” because it would embarrass the Queen to have to host him.
The petition – along with a rival one backing the state visit signed by 300,000 people – will be debated in Parliament on Monday.
Prime Minister May is striving to build a close relationship with the new US administration.
Aides are delighted at reports he has dubbed her “my Maggie” in tribute to the famously close relationship of their predecessors Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
Last month after Mrs May became the first foreign leader to visit Mr Trump in the Oval Office, they were pictured holding hands as they descended a White House ramp.
Mrs May will have been keen to reassure the controversial President about her support for his administration, following the petition, protest marches and a public outburst by Commons Speaker John Bercow against Mr Trump and his policies.
Downing Street said last night: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, as part of their regular engagement.
“They discussed a range of issues, including trade and security and the President’s state visit. The Prime Minister said she looks forward to welcoming him later this year.”
The petition opposing a state visit gained support after Mr Trump ordered a temporary travel ban on nationals of seven mainly-Muslim countries and all refugees visiting the US. The ban has since been suspended amid legal rulings.
The Government has to respond to petitions with more than 100,000 names. The Foreign Office said yesterday: “HM Government believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit. 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.
“During her visit to the United States the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Queen, invited President Trump for a state visit to the UK this year.
“The invitation was accepted. This reflects the importance of the relationship between the US and the UK.”
The Speaker of the House of Commons triggered calls for his resignation after he was accused of impartiality.
John Bercow said the travel ban by the “racist...sexist” President made him “even more strongly opposed” to allowing him the honour, accorded to previous world leaders, of addressing MPs and peers at Westminster.
Other critics say Mrs May was far too quick to offer Mr Trump a state visit. Barack Obama had to wait 758 days for his invitation and George W Bush waited 978 days.
Marches
There have already been protest marches held in Britain against Mr Trump and his proposed travel ban.
The Stop Trump campaign is calling for rallies to be held across the country on Monday when MPs debate the petition. And it has promised “the biggest demonstration in British history” when he eventually visits.
Meanwhile, Britain’s top policeman yesterday urged ministers to ensure forces have enough resources to manage such events.
Outgoing Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe suggested policing the President’s visit and the protests would cost millions .
He said he also did not want forces having to divert officers from normal duties to manage the extra work.
In his last speech in the post, he told the Royal United Services Institute in Westminster: “I’m sure the Government recognises the economic value of a safe capital and won’t put my successor in the position of having to choose between this and keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”