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As it happenedended

As it happened: Donald Trump to visit Britain 'later this year'

All the latest updates from Davos, as they happened

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Thursday 25 January 2018 10:00 GMT
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Theresa May 'appalled' over Presidents Club revelations

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Donald Trump's visit to the UK is back on the table for "later this year" after a meeting at Davos where he told Theresa May, "We love your country".

The US President sought to dispel a "false rumour" about strains on the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States in his first meeting with Ms May since the pair clashed over Mr Trump's decision to share anti-Muslim tweets from far-right group Britain First.

The Prime Minister used her keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland to urge investors to pull funds from tech giants such as Facebook and Twitter if they fail to take down extremist content.

Also at Davos, Philip Hammond risked starting a row with Eurosceptic Conservatives by suggesting he hoped that change to Britain's trade relations with the EU after Brexit would be "very modest".

The Chancellor also admitted that MPs would not know "the full details" of Britain's future trade deal with the EU when they vote on Brexit later this year.

His comments came ahead of a speech by Tory Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg - the new chairman of the European Research Group of backbench Tories - who was due to urge ministers not to be "timid and cowering" in their approach to EU withdrawal.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was due to host a Westminster rally demanding an emergency budget to help the NHS cope with the ongoing winter crisis.

See below for updates, as they happened.

Welcome to The Independent's politics liveblog, where we will be bringing you all the latest updates throughout the day.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 08:22
Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:03

The Prime Minister is expected to hold talks on the margins of the summit with Donald Trump - the first time the pair have met since they clashed over the President's decision to share videos posted by the far-right group Britain First.

The so-called "special relationship has been come under increased pressure in recent months. Mr Trump recently cancelled plans to open the new US embassy in London amid concerns over mass protests.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:22

In the Commons today, Environment Secretary Michael Gove is answering questions from MPs. Expect plenty of discussion about the Government's drive to cut down on plastic and takeaway coffee cups.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson will also give a statement on defence spending.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:37

Michael Gove says he hopes President Trump will "listen sympathetically" to lifting the ban on haggis - as he has "got a Scottish mum".

The Scots delicacy is banned in the US because it contains parts of sheep lungs. 

His comments came in response to a question from Scottish Tory MP Kirstene Hair, who wished him a happy Burns Night.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:49

A Government minister was ordered to Downing Street last night to provide an explanation over his attendance at a controversial men-only dinner after reports emerged of hostesses being groped and harassed by guests.

Nadhim Zahawi, who was appointed as children and families minister during Theresa May’s new years reshuffle, was said to have found the Presidents Club fundraiser “extremely uncomfortable” and left early.

​Story here:

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:51

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been drumming up more celebrity fans, as singer George Ezra tweets.

Mr Corbyn gained a string of famous followers during the election, including grime artists Jme and Stormzy, actor Steve Coogan and the celebrated astrophysicist Stephen Hawking. 

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 09:59

A batch of official statistics has dropped - and it makes for grim reading for the Government.

Headline figures include:

The number of people sleeping rough on the streets of England reached an estimated 4,751 in the autumn of 2017, the highest level since current records began.

Police-recorded crime in England and Wales increased by 14% in the year ending  September 2017, new figures show. 

Assaults in prison custody have reached record highs in the year to September 2017, when the number of assaults totalled 28,165 - a 12% increase from the previous year.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 10:03

In one of the most bonkers stories of the day, scientists have discovered that a mummified corpse found in a Swiss church is related to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 10:10

In the Commons, ministers have been pressed on whether trail hunting is being "used as a cover for illegal hunting".

Labour's John Spellar urges the Government to take on action on those who continue to hunt illegally following a shocking case where hunting hounds tore through a cat sanctuary.

Christian Matheson, Labour MP for City of Cheshire, says at least four foxes in Cheshire had been killed since Boxing Day and asked if ministers had given a "secret nod and a wink" to allow people to hunt with impunity.

Farming minister George Eustice insists that is not the case and says the PM has been clear that the law will not be changed.

Lizzy Buchan25 January 2018 10:19

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