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Donald Trump state visit: White House denies Donald Trump will delay UK state visit despite threat of huge protests

Statement follows report claiming President wanted to put off visit until British public supports it

Jon Sharman
Monday 12 June 2017 03:36 EDT
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Donald Trump with Theresa May during the PM's visit to Washington
Donald Trump with Theresa May during the PM's visit to Washington (REUTERS)

The White House has denied claims Donald Trump wants to delay his state visit to the UK over fears of protests about his presidency

The Guardian reported on Sunday that Mr Trump had told Theresa May in a phone call he wanted to put the trip on hold until the British public supported it.

But the White House has flatly denied the leaders discussed the topic at all. A spokesman said: "The subject never came up on the call."

Downing Street said: "The Queen extended an invitation to President Trump to visit the UK and there is no change to those plans."

Ms May had extended the invitation during her visit to Washington in January.

After it was announced campaigners immediately said they would organise mass protests, and nearly two million people signed a petition against the visit.

Mr Trump's criticism of Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, following the Borough Market terror attack has also fuelled opposition to the idea of his coming to the UK.

The President did not visit the UK on his first foreign trip as President, choosing instead to visit Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Vatican. He also attended summits in Italy and Belgium.

The White House recently announced that his next foreign trip will include a visit to Poland.

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