Giant 'Trump Baby' to fly over London during US president visit

The 6m orange balloon will fly near parliament at a height of 30m. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (AFP, REUTERS) - A giant blimp depicting Mr Donald Trump as a baby will fly over London during the United States president's visit next week after mayor Sadiq Khan approved the request, protesters behind the stunt said on Thursday (July 5).

The 6m orange balloon, which shows the president wearing a nappy, will fly near parliament at a height of 30m between 9.30am and 11.30am local time.

Britain regards its close ties with the US, which it calls the special relationship, as a pillar of its foreign policy as it prepares to leave the European Union.

But some Britons see Mr Trump as crude, volatile and opposed to their values on a range of issues.

Mr Trump's comments on militant attacks in Britain have sparked anger and he has often exchanged barbs on social media with the London mayor.

"The mayor supports the right to peaceful protest and understands that this can take many different forms," said a spokesperson for Mayor Khan.

Activist Leo Murray from the group behind the protest credited a "huge groundswell of support" for Mr Khan's decision, with more than 10,000 signing an online petition.

"We didn't get off to the best start with the mayor's office over this, who originally told us that they didn't recognise 'Trump Baby' as legitimate protest," he told Sky News.

"But following a huge groundswell of public support for our plan, it looks like City Hall has rediscovered its sense of humour. Trump Baby will fly!"

Huge protests are expected when Mr Trump visits Britain next week, where he will meet Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth II.

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