Theresa May to urge Trump to avoid London protests during UK visit


A file photo of US President Donald Trump (right) and British PM Theresa May at a meeting at the Nato summit in Brussels, on May 25, 2017.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE

LONDON (REUTERS) - British Prime Minister Theresa May will urge US President Donald Trump to avoid protesters in central London during his UK visit in July and instead meet her at her country residence, the Sun newspaper reported on Sunday (May 27).

The details of the plan will be given to the White House by Sir Kim Darroch, British ambassador to the United States, the report said.

There are two proposals that will be made to the White House by Sir Darroch upon Mrs May's approval - one for a Downing Street visit or one based at Chequers, a 16th century manor house 60km north-west of London - the report said, citing a source, who added it would be made clear that Mrs May prefers the meeting take place at Chequers.

Mr Trump will also be asked to have tea with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, a royal residence west of London and not at Buckingham Palace, according to the report.

Sir Darroch will suggest to the White House that Mr Trump does not visit Britain's houses of Parliament, the Sun reported.

Mrs May's office was not immediately available for comment.

Mr Trump will travel to Britain in July for a working visit with Mrs May, after months of back-and-forth over when the US President would visit what traditionally has been the United States' closest ally.

Many Britons have vowed to stage protests if Mr Trump visits, with several politicians having previously voiced their opposition to Mr Trump being granted a state visit.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said earlier in the year Mr Trump was not welcome in London because of what he called Mr Trump's"divisive agenda".

Mr Trump cancelled a trip to London to open a new embassy earlier in the year.

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