Trump and Theresa May hold first meeting at White house

Trump and Theresa May hold first meeting at White house

NEWS: goo.gl/a3kAcQ



Donald Trump and Theresa May walked hand in hand at the White House today as they hailed a resurgent Special Relationship - and he insisted Brexit would be 'wonderful'.

The President said he was 'honoured' by Mrs May's visit and that relations between the two long-standing allies had never been stronger as the leaders held a press conference at the White House.

He also signalled he had reassured Mrs May about America's commitment to NATO and pledged to continue the working relationship between the two countries.





The British Prime Minister also revealed that the President and First Lady have accepted an invitation from the Queen to make a state visit to the UK later this year with full pomp and ceremony.



Mrs May has become the first world leader to visit the new commander-in-chief, sealing their fledgling alliance with a warm handshake.

And the new leader of the free world said the meeting renewed Britain and America's 'military, cultural, financial and political bond'.

Rounding off a two-day visit that will have delighted Downing Street, the two leaders:

Lavished praise on each other at a press conference in the White House. Mr Trump said: 'I believe we are going to have a fantastic relationship'

The US president said the bond between the countries was 'stronger than ever' and hailed the 'wonderful' future for the UK after Brexit

Mrs May announced that Mr Trump had accepted an invite to come to Britain for a state visit with full pomp and ceremony later this year

The PM said a trade deal between the UK and US would be 'great' for both nations

Mrs May said the President had reassured her he was '100 per cent' behind NATO. Asked whether she had raised any other potentially difficult areas with Mr Trump in their talks, she replied: 'I've been listening to the President, and the President has been listening to me'

Mr Trump played down the idea that the US could start using torture against terror suspects, saying it would be up to his secretary of defense and he opposed it

The US commander-in-chief said he was hoping to have a 'fantastic' relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Opening their first press conference together, President Trump said: 'I am honoured to have the Prime Minister here for our first official visit from a foreign leader.

'It is our first visit so a great honour.



'The special relationship between our two countries has been one of the great forces for justice and for peace and by the way, my mother was born in Scotland - Stornoway, which is serious Scotland.

'Today the United States renews our deep bond with Britain, from the military, financial, cultural and political - we have one of the great bonds and we pledge our lasting support to this most special relationship.'

He said together America and the United Kingdom were 'for prosperity and the rule of law.'

President Trump also went on to praise the British people for their 'self determination' in voting for Brexit.

He added: 'That is why the US respects the sovereignty of the British people and their right of self determination.

'A free and independent Britain is a blessing to the world and our relationship has never been stronger.



Both America and Britain understand that governments must be responsible to everyday working people, that governments must represent their own citizens.

'Madam PM, we look forward to working closely with you as we strengthen our mutual ties and commerce, business and foreign affairs.

'Great days lie ahead for our two peoples and our two countries. On behalf of our nation, I thank you for joining us here today - it's a really great pleasure.'

Mrs May replied: 'I'm delighted to be able to congratulate you on what was a stunning election victory.



'As you say the invitation is an indication of the strength and importance of the special relationship that exists between our two countries – a relationship based on the bonds of history, of family, kinship and common interests.

'And in a further sign of the importance of that relationship I have today been able to convey Her Majesty the Queen's hope that President Trump and the First Lady would pay a state visit to the United Kingdom later this year and I'm delighted that the President has accepted that invitation.



Challenged about his views on torture, Russia, banning Muslims and punishment for abortion by BBC political editor Laura