Trump London protests - as it happened: President denies taped criticism of May as '100,000' protest US leader in London
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Donald Trump has insisted the ‘special relationship’ between Britain and the United States is “the highest level of special” as he addressed reporters alongside prime minister Theresa May at Chequers.
The president described Brexit as an “incredible opportunity” and said whatever Britain does after leaving the European Union was “OK with me” – hours after telling The Sun newspaper that Ms May’s plan may “kill” any trade deal between the UK and the US.
Responding to questions about the interview, Mr Trump described the report as “fake news,” while Ms May added the pair had discussed plans for an “ambitious” trade agreement.
Following his Chequers meeting, Mr Trump headed to Windsor Castle to meet the Queen. But the president quickly defied royal protocol by walking ahead of the monarch during an inspection of the Coldstream guards.
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Despite the humiliating interview, in which Mr Trump said the prime minister “didn’t listen” to his advice on Brexit, Ms May praised the American leader for “making tough calls and saying things that others would rather not say”.
“From the outset, President Trump has been clear about how he sees the challenges we face and on many we agree,” she added.
The second day of the American leader’s visit to the UK was marked by mass protests across Britain, with a huge blimp depicting him as a baby wearing a nappy flown by demonstrators in London.
The six-metre inflatable caricature took to the skies in Westminster as tens of thousands of demonstrators prepare to march through London’s streets.
Protests were also planned to take place outside Chequers and in Scotland, where the president leader will arrive on Friday evening after having tea with the Queen at Windsor Castle.
Mr Trump was heavily critical of the proposed EU deal thrashed out by Ms May her cabinet, warning it would “probably kill” any future UK-US trade agreement.
The US leader said he would have done the negotiations “much differently” and claimed the prime minister had not listened to his advice.
Mr Trump’s comments were condemned by a number of MPs, including the universities minister Sam Gyimah, who tweeted: “Where are your manners, Mr President?”
The White House is, interestingly, still calling Russia's meddling in the US election "alleged hacking".
Thousands of people have gathered in Glasgow's George Square to protest against Donald Trump's visit as he flies to Scotland.
Among the placards carried by campaigners were messages against the US president's policies including "Give the weans Irn Bru not iron cages" while others urged him to go home, with signs saying "Bolt ya rocket and make Scotland great again".
The protest took place before the controversial president had even touched down in Scotland.
Mr Trump is due to fly into Prestwick Airport for the private Scottish leg of his UK visit later on Friday.
But Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard called on the billionaire tycoon to "rethink your whole political approach".
Speaking as he joined the crowds in Glasgow city centre, Mr Leonard said the cross-party, multi-faith demonstration would give people a voice.
"Today I think there's a carnival atmosphere. There will be music, poetry and also serious political speeches," he said.
"Lots of people will have a voice to show why they are protesting against Donald Trump's visit."
This may be the most inventive day of protest signs in UK history. Here's the latest.
The Independent's political editor, Joe Watts, has filed this report about the belated attempts by Donald Trump to repair the so-called special relationship.
Donald Trump has scrambled to repair bruised relations with Theresa May, using an extraordinary press conference to accuse the British media of “fake news” and hail US-UK links as “the highest level of special”.
The president tried to undo damage caused by an interview in which he questioned Ms May’s Brexit plans, suggesting they might torpedo a US trade deal, and exalted her political rival Boris Johnson.
But standing next to the prime minister at the awkward event, he ostentatiously lavished praise on her as “smart”, “tough”, “capable” and “incredible”, finally adding “I would much rather have her as my friend than my enemy, that I can tell you.”
Donald Trump has shared a brief montage of his visit to Britain up to now, including footage of his meeting with the Queen.
The Independent's Maya Oppenheim has been talking to protesters in central London today. Here are what some had to say.
Paul Robert, 45, who works in customer services, told The Independent he was "struggling to use words you can print" when asked why he had decided to come down to the protest.
"I just think he is a complete idiot," he said of the US president. "He does not understand how the world works. He does not understand what people think. He is aggressive. He is a narcissist. He is a misogynist. I think the world would be better off if he stuck to business not politics. He likes to get angry and get people that are already angry angrier. He is a spark to kindling and wants anything that gets him attention".
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