Trump London protests - as it happened: President denies taped criticism of May as '100,000' protest US leader in London
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Your support makes all the difference.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?”
A brief recap of Donald Trump's initial greeting with the Queen.
Mr Trump did not bow as he shook hands briefly with the monarch on the dais, and first lady Melania Trump did not curtsy as she shook the head of state's white gloved hand.
The Queen smiled broadly and shared a few words with the Trumps before indicating they should stand either side of her for the military band's rendition of the American national anthem.
Here's more on what could be one of the more enduring developments of today, and it comes from the other side of the pond.
John Roberts, a Fox News correspondent, came in for some criticism today after proceeding to ask Donald Trump a question after the president brushed off one from a CNN reporter, who. he branded "fake news". Mr Roberts has publicly responded to those saying he should have backed his colleague.
Donald Trump's visit appears to have resulted in something concrete. This is taken from a Home Office press release:
The Prime Minister and President Trump today committed to tackle the global threat posed by transnational criminal organisations - including illegal opioid traffickers. A high-level group chaired by the Home Secretary and US Attorney General will work to reduce the significant harm caused by these organisations, such as by improving our ability to pursue “high-value” targets and their interests. The group will also find opportunities for partnerships with industry to improve our understanding of threats and work with other countries on the socio-economic factors which perpetuate transnational organised crime.
Donald Trump has now left Windsor Castle and is making his way back to Marine One. He will immediately fly to Stansted before heading north to Scotland, where he is staying at Turnberry, his golf course. He should arrive by 8.30pm.
Here are some more pictures of Donald Trump's first ever meeting with the Queen.
↵Rod Rosenstein reveals he briefed the president on the upcoming indictments of 12 Russian intelligence officials days ago.
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