Donald Trump has postponed a visit to the United Kingdom amid worries that he would be welcomed with large-scale protests against him. According to the Guardian newspaper in London, The American president told the British Prime Minister, #Theresa May, of his decision in a recent phone call. The move is said to have surprised May, who had extended an invitation on behalf of Queen Elizabeth during her visit to the White House back in January.
The move is said to have surprised May, who had extended an invitation on behalf of Queen Elizabeth during her visit to the White House back in January.Although a date for the trip had yet to be agreed, it was thought that Trump and his wife, Melania, would be in the UK around October.
''No change to plans''
May’s office released a statement insisting there was no change to the plans. A spokeswoman for Downing Street said, "We aren't going to comment on speculation about the contents of private phone conversations. The Queen extended an invitation to President Trump to visit the UK and there is no change to those plans."
The response came as May reshuffled her government following last week's general elections which cost her a parliamentary majority. Whether this was an additional factor that contributed to Trump's decision is still unclear.
Tension and controversy
Trump sparked a wave of anger in the UK after mocking London Mayor Sadiq Khan for his response to the London Bridge terrorist attacks, which left eight people dead and dozens injured.
In a series of tweets, Trump accused Khan of underestimating the threat facing the UK.
Khan's team hit back instantly, accusing the American leader of misquoting the mayor and attempting to divide Londoners.
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2017
The comments added to the controversy between the two countries over intelligence sharing following an earlier attack in Manchester.
British investigators were furious with the way their counterparts in America allegedly passed information about the assailant to the press.
Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the British Labor party, was quick to welcome the reported cancellation of the visit. ''Cancellation of President Trump's State Visit is welcome, especially after his attack on London's mayor & withdrawal from #ParisClimateDeal,'' he tweeted.
Trump, whose mother was born in Scotland, has previously said he was looking forward to the visit to meet the Queen. He has even reportedly asked to accompany the monarch in a tour on her gold-plated chariot around Buckingham Palace.
A petition in the UK calling for a ban on the visit attracted more than 1.8 million signatures back in January.
