UK

Donald Trump accepts invitation from Queen for UK state visit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump by a bust of Sir Winston Churchill in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington DC, USA. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire 
British Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump by a bust of Sir Winston Churchill in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington DC, USA. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire  British Prime Minister Theresa May meeting US President Donald Trump by a bust of Sir Winston Churchill in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington DC, USA. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire 

DONALD Trump has hailed the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States as a beacon for "justice and peace" as he welcomed Theresa May to the White House.

In a joint press conference the Prime Minister said she had extended an invitation from the Queen for the President to make a state visit to the UK later this year, which Mr Trump had accepted.

Mr Trump said: "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 as a really great honour."

Mrs May said: "Thank you for inviting me so soon after your inauguration and I'm delighted to be able to congratulate you on what was a stunning election victory.

"And, 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."

Mr Trump said he believed that Brexit would be "a fantastic thing for the UK". 

Mrs May had earlier arrived at the White House for talks with US president Donald Trump as she hopes to renew the special relationship between Britain and America.

The two leaders spent about an hour in face-to-face talks in the Oval Office, where Mr Trump has restored a bust of Winston Churchill removed by predecessor Barack Obama.

Mrs May believes Brexit and the election of Mr Trump will allow Britain and America to take up a stronger leadership role in the world.