Donald Trump refuses to make state visit to UK until Theresa May ‘fixes warm UK welcome'

'When I know I’m going to get a better reception, I’ll come and not before'

Over 1.8 million people signed a petition to prevent Mr Trump from being honoured with a formal state visit (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Donald Trump reportedly told Theresa May he will not make a state visit to the UK until he is guaranteed a "better reception".

The US President asked the Prime Minister to prepare a "warm welcome" before he agrees to set a date, it has been claimed.

The pair spoke on the phone to discuss the planned state visit, which has now been postponed until next year.

"I haven’t had great coverage out there lately, Theresa," Mr Trump told Ms May, according to a transcript of the conversation seen by The Sun.

Ms May replied: "Well, you know what the British press are like."

But Mr Trump added: "I still want to come, but I’m in no rush.

"So, if you can fix it for me, it would make things a lot easier.

"When I know I’m going to get a better reception, I’ll come and not before."

Over 1.8 million people signed a petition to prevent Mr Trump from being honoured with a formal state visit.

The petition reads: “Donald Trump should be allowed to enter the UK in his capacity as head of the US Government, but he should not be invited to make an official State Visit because it would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen.”

It comes just days after French President Emmanuel Macron wooed his American counterpart during an official state visit to France.

The pair took a tour of the Les Invalides war memorial and Elysee Palace before a bilateral meeting, followed by a luxurious dinner in the Eiffel Tower.

Mr Trump was also the guest of honour at Friday's military parade on the Champs-Elysees - the first time a US President had attended since George Bush in 1989

Downing Street declined to comment.