Image copyright Reuters Image caption Theresa May was the first foreign leader to visit Donald Trump after his election

US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the UK on Thursday for a two-day working visit.

Mr Trump is the 12th sitting US president to make such a trip and will spend time with the Queen and prime minister before flying to Scotland to spend the weekend at his golf resort.

It is his first visit to Britain since winning the 2016 presidential election.

Thousands are expected to protest against the president in London on Thursday and Friday.

BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins described the trip as "the most controversial visit ever made by an American president to Britain".

What will he do and who will he meet?

Image copyright PA Image caption A black-tie dinner will be held at Blenheim Palace

Mr Trump will fly to the UK on Thursday afternoon with First Lady Melania Trump, following a Nato summit in Brussels.

The couple will attend a black-tie dinner on Thursday at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Invited guests - including a number of business leaders - will eat dinner to the sounds of the Countess of Wessex's Orchestra, which will play a "series of classic British and American hits", according to a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May.

After spending Thursday night as a guest of US ambassador Woody Johnson at his London residence, Winfield House, the president will join the prime minister to watch a UK military exercise, before the pair travel to Chequers - the PM's country residence in Buckinghamshire - for bilateral talks.

The president and first lady will then travel to Windsor to meet the Queen on Friday afternoon.

On the final leg of the tour, the couple will fly to Scotland, where they plan to spend the weekend at Mr Trump's Turnberry golf resort. The president's time in Scotland is not counted as part of the working visit.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The president and first lady will visit Turnberry in Scotland

What is the difference between a working visit and a state visit?

A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state and is normally at the invitation of the Queen, who acts on advice from the government.

The Queen acts as the official host for the duration of the trip, and visitors usually stay at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

There is usually a state banquet and a visit to - and speeches at - the Houses of Parliament may be included.

A working visit - like the one Mr Trump is making - may include some of the same activities as a state visit, but there are small differences. For example, on a working visit, the visiting head of state does not address Parliament, nor is their accommodation organised and funded by the UK.

Travel plans on a working visit are also organised and funded by the visiting country.

Image copyright AFP Image caption President Trump will meet the Queen, but will not stay at Buckingham Palace

What protests are planned?

Tens of thousands are expected to protest against the president in London on Thursday and Friday and in Glasgow on Saturday.

Police forces from across the country have been asked to send officers to assist the Metropolitan Police, including 400 from the West Midlands force.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has granted permission for a giant inflatable figure depicting Mr Trump as a baby to fly over Westminster for two hours on the second day of the president's visit.

Smaller demonstrations are also expected to be held across the UK including Devon, Dundee, Edinburgh, Belfast, Norwich, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Shaista Aziz, a Labour councillor in Oxford, and one of the organisers of the Together Against Trump protest in London, said the demonstration was about saying "very clearly that we reject the policies of this administration".

Image copyright Andrew Aitchison Image caption Campaigners raised almost £18,000 to pay for the six-metre high inflatable Trump baby

What are the security arrangements?

British police have not revealed the exact number of officers required to work during Mr Trump's trip - but the Police Federation has warned the visit will put "unquestionable pressure" on UK police forces.

Forces from across the country have been asked to send thousands of officers to assist with protests. The Home Office said they can be "recompensed by the hosting force".

The Treasury has confirmed it will fund policing costs of up to £5m in Scotland.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said discussions were ongoing about "how the resource requirements of this massive operation will be met" but a spokesman said: "We are confident that forces will continue to maintain local policing services."

Image copyright AFP Image caption The president will stay at Winfield House on Thursday night

What about Trump supporters?

Mr Trump has a number of high profile supporters in the UK - including prominent Brexiteers Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson.

Speaking of Mr Johnson, who resigned as foreign secretary on Monday, Mr Trump said he was a "friend" and he hoped he might find time to speak to him during his visit.

"He's been very, very nice to me, very supportive," he said. "I like Boris Johnson, I've always liked him."

Republicans Overseas UK are organising a rally on Friday to welcome the president while a pub in west London has been renamed The Trump Arms in honour of the visit.

The US Embassy said it was looking forward to Mr Trump's arrival "as an opportunity to highlight the vitality of the special relationship" between the UK and US.</s>Donald Trump twisted the knife into Theresa May’s stricken government yesterday by declaring the UK “is in turmoil” and proclaiming his friendship for her arch-enemy Boris Johnson.

A bad week for May got worse when the US president offered her little support after the high profile resignation of Brexiteers Johnson and David Davis from her Cabinet.

Instead, Trump told reporters that Johnson was a “friend of mine” and raised the possibility of meeting the blundering Tory on his flying visit to the UK.

He said: “Boris Johnson is a friend of mine. He’s been very, very nice to me, very supportive. I maybe will speak to him when I get over there. I like Boris, I’ve always liked him.”

The remarks would have struck at the heart of Downing Street, who attempted to dismiss them as 

 light-hearted comments.

Trump’s chummy remarks about Johnson follow claims by Nigel Farage that the UK Government asked the president not to embarrass the Prime Minister by meeting with former the UKIP leader during his UK visit.

But Trump signalled that political meetings in Chequers, tea with the Queen and golfing weekend at his Scottish resort would not be the best part of his week-long trip to Europe.

Speaking to the US media at the White House before getting on to Marine One, his official helicopter, Trump said he would find his trip to Helsinki to see Russian leader Vladimir Putin the easiest meeting on his schedule.

He told reporters: “So, I have NATO, I have the UK – which is in somewhat turmoil. And I have 

 Putin. Frankly, Putin may be the easiest of all.”

Trump added: “It’s going to be an interesting time in the UK and an interesting time at NATO. We will work it out and all countries will be happy.”

On whether or not May will continue as Prime Minister, Trump said that is a decision for the British people.

His comments can hardly be described as helpful to Downing Street.

Barack Obama went out of his way for David Cameron, saying a Brexit Britain would be “back of the queue” during the EU referendum campaign.

Trump – who faces massive protests across the UK from his arrival to his departure on Sunday – appears to have no intention of making life easier for May.

The UK looks like having no intention of making life easy for him either.

The US Embassy in London yesterday warned protests during Trump’s visit could turn violent.

Issuing a demonstration alert ahead of the presidential trip, the embassy urged people to keep a low profile as protests span three days.

Gatherings and rallies are planned across the UK from tomorrow, when Trump is expected to touch down in Britain.

Demos include one near Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, where Trump will attend a black-tie dinner and another not far from the US ambassador’s residence in London’s Regent’s Park where Trump and his wife Melania will stay overnight.

Gatherings are also due to take place elsewhere in the UK in cities including Bristol, Newcastle, 

 Leeds, Cambridge and Cardiff tomorrow evening.

A large baby blimp caricature of Trump is set to be flown at Parliament Square on Friday morning. It’s due in Scotland on Saturday as Trump settles into his two-day stay at his Turnberry golf course.

There is a demonstration in Glasgow to greet the US president on Friday and one of the biggest demonstrations Scotland has seen in years is expected in Edinburgh on Saturday.</s>Tens of thousands of people poured through the centres of London, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast on Friday, united in their rejection of the visit to Britain of the US president, Donald Trump, who admitted the protests had made him feel unwelcome.

There was a carnival atmosphere with music, dancing, the bashing of pots and pans and a forest of often witty, sometimes crude placards.

The tone was set in London by a four-metre-high orange Trump baby blimp that was floated above Parliament Square, and placards with slogans such as “No Fan of Fake Tan Man”, “How Dare You Combover here” and “Free Melania”. But there was anger too at what many perceived as Trump’s racism, misogyny and climate change policy.

The former deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, and the current and former Labour leaders Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband joined the protesters in the capital who numbered over 100,000, according to the organisers of two marches that converged on Trafalgar Square.

Corbyn attacked the US president for his comments on Thursday that Boris Johnson would “make a great prime minister”, saying it was “not his business who the British prime minister is”.

Addressing a packed Trafalgar Square, Corbyn said: “We are asserting our rights to democracy, our rights to freedom of speech and our rights to want a world that is not divided by misogyny, racism and hate.”

Among the Americans who turned out was Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for the US adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had an affair with Trump. Avenatti said he was there to send a message to “our brothers and sisters here in the UK and around the world that . . . there’s millions of Americans that are outraged by his conduct and by his behaviour.”

In Soho in London, a group of house music DJs including A Guy Called Gerald performed on a giant sound system under the banner “No to Brexit, no to Trump, no to Theresa May”. The actor Laura Carmichael, who played Lady Edith Crawley in Downton Abbey, held an “End Violence Against Women” banner.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside City Hall in Belfast and thousands gathered at George Square in Glasgow.

Among them were Roberta Logan (32) and her sons Magnus, six, and Aidan, three. “It felt important to bring them today to teach them to stand up against things that are wrong,” Logan said.

There were tiny pockets of support. One man in a Trump 2020 T-shirt held a “Welcome President Trump” placard close to Parliament Square in London, and there were also some Trump supporters in Windsor.

A pro-Trump march in central London is planned for Saturday, which will join a rally in support of Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the far-right English Defence League, who is in jail for contempt of court.

Scotland Yard is prepared for counter demonstrations. At the last such event, five police officers were injured when bottles and metal barriers were thrown at them.

Trump did not come close to the protests himself, as he had a working lunch at Chequers with Theresa May and tea with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, before a weekend of golf at two courses he owns in Scotland. Ahead of the UK visit he had said: “I guess when they put out blimps to make me feel unwelcome, no reason for me to go to London”.

‘Feed him to the corgis’

Several protesters seemed worried about queen’s safety with the US president in Windsor, holding placards urging Trump not to grope her. Another implored her to “feed him to the corgis”.

Emily Darnell (40), an executive assistant from Haywards Heath in West Sussex, made a banner that tipped its hat to Mary Poppins, reading: “Super Callous Fragile Racist Sexist Nazi Potus.”

“Trump is just a vile, vile man so I felt really motivated to come here,” she said. “I think it is really important that so many people are here so that he knows how Britain feels and how women feel about him. He is such a loser.”

At Oxford Circus in London, James O’Brien from Ireland was selling Donald Trump toilet paper, calling out: “The most satisfaction you can have in a toilet, kids.”

Anne Howard said she thought protester numbers had been bolstered by Trump’s “insulting behaviour” to Theresa May in his interview with the Sun published on Friday.

“To come to someone else’s country and be so unbelievably rude is unacceptable,” she said. “He was so patronising – ‘I told her how to do Brexit but she didn’t listen’ – like she is some little woman and not the prime minister. It sounds like so many men I’ve met in my life.”

Sam and Jemima Queen were marching with their seven-month-old son, Sidney. “We are marching for our children’s future and for the children Trump is separating from their parents,” said Jemima Queen. – Guardian</s>The protests have already begun, police leave has been cancelled, while the prime minister and her foreign secretary are nervously preparing for any potential mishaps, gaffes or insults: Donald Trump is finally arriving in the UK.

The US president’s plane touches down on Thursday lunchtime for a four-day visit sandwiched between the Nato summit and his trip to Helsinki to meet Vladimir Putin. Theresa May is fervently hoping her welcome will keep Trump’s loyalties focused on the former.

May has staked considerable political capital on maintaining close ties to the often capricious US president, meaning she and Jeremy Hunt, three days into his job as foreign secretary, will be praying he can remain on message.

Before the visit, May lavished praise on the transatlantic relationship, while notably avoiding any direct mention of Trump himself.



“There is no stronger alliance than that of our special relationship with the US and there will be no alliance more important in the years ahead,” May said, adding that she was “looking forward to this week’s important discussions”.

It is officially a working trip, announced in April after plans for a full state visit were indefinitely shelved amid concerns about protests. But May and her ministers still hope to flatter Trump with pomp and royalty.

On Thursday evening at a black-tie business leaders’ dinner at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Trump will be greeted by military bands and piped out at the end by the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The next day, following a joint counter-terrorism demonstration by UK and US special forces and talks with May at Chequers, Trump and his wife, Melania, will have tea with the Queen at Windsor Castle, this time serenaded by the band of the Coldstream Guards.

Even the various menus announced in advance are heavily tailored to Trump’s nursery-food tastes, featuring unthreatening dishes such as beef, and hearty puddings of ice cream or lemon meringue pie.

The visit – which will see Trump depart for Scotland on Friday evening for a weekend expected to be largely taken up with playing golf at one of his own courses – has also been shaped to keep him away from expected mass protests.

These had already begun in Scotland on Wednesday, with activists from an anti-racism group staging a brief demonstration at Trump’s Turnberry course in South Ayrshire.

Big crowds are expected in London on Friday, when the giant “Trump baby” balloon caricaturing the president as a nappy-wearing, phone-clutching infant, will be hoisted above Westminster.

Policing the visit will cost a minimum of £12m, with leave for thousands of officers cancelled, a particular strain for forces on alert for possible disorder amid England’s World Cup campaign.

Around 4,000 officers will be drafted into areas Trump is visiting, the biggest mobilisation since the 2011 riots across England. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has urged the public to avoid putting any extra strain on officers, many of whom will work 12-hour shifts.

Police have also secured a temporary ban on low-flying aircraft from parts of the UK being visited by Trump, for security reasons.

One of the obstacles to a state visit had been objections to Trump addressing parliament, a traditional element of such trips, including a controversial ban by the Commons Speaker, John Bercow.

However, some MPs will be presenting another view. Rightwing thinktank the Bow Group has organised a welcome event for Trump on Thursday in parliament, even though the president will get no nearer than the US ambassador’s residence, four miles to the north in Regent’s Park.

Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski, who will join Nigel Farage and others at the event, said he hoped it would be a counter to the “very easy and very populist” denigration of Trump by Labour and others.

“I don’t know the man, I’m not commenting on his personality or him as an individual,” he said. “I’m interested in his position representing our closest ally.

“Turning somebody away and being deliberately antagonistic to them isn’t the best way of trying to influence their decisions.”</s>Donald Trump arrived in the UK today amid a full-blown spat with Theresa May after he slammed her Brexit plan as not 'what people voted for'.

The US president took an axe to diplomatic niceties before even touching down at Stansted airport as he delivered a series of extraordinary jibes in a press conference at the NATO summit in Brussels.

Before boarding Air Force One with First Lady Melania, Mr Trump highlighted Mrs May's political woes, saying he was heading for a 'hot spot'.

And he made clear that he did not approve of the softer stance the PM has been advocating despite fury from many Tory MPs.

'Brexit is Brexit, the people voted to break it up so I would imagine that is what they'll do, but they might take a different route. I'm not sure that's what people voted for,' Mr Trump said.

He shrugged off the prospect of protests on the streets, saying there were 'always protests' – and insisted that British people liked him because he was tough on immigration.

For good measure. Mr Trump also managed to congratulate a Croatian journalist on the victory of his national team against England in the World Cup.

Mrs May dismissed the criticism as she departed the summit this afternoon, telling journalists: 'We have come to an agreement at the proposal we're putting to the European Union which absolutely delivers on the Brexit people voted for.

'They voted for us to take back control of our money, our law and our borders and that's exactly what we will do'

But Downing Street has been fearing that US President could publicly urge the PM to abandon her Chequers Brexit plans, which sparked the shock resignations ofBoris Johnson and David Davis this week.

The PM is battling for her political career as mutinous Eurosceptic Tories have launch coordinated resignations and are mobilising to kill off her 'third way' proposals.

Mr Trump said the UK was a 'pretty hot spot right now' with 'lots of resignations'.

'Brexit is – I have been reading about Brexit a lot over the last few days and it seems to be turning a little bit differently where they are getting at least partially involved back with the European Union,' he said.

'I have no message it is not for me to say…'

He added: 'I'd like to see them be able to work it out so it can go quickly - whatever they work out.

'I would say Brexit is Brexit. When you use the term hard Brexit I assume that's what you mean.

'A lot of people voted to break it up so I would imagine that's what they would do but maybe they are taking a little bit of a different route. I don't know if that's what they voted for.

'I just want the people to be happy…..I am sure there will be protests because there are always protests.'

Speaking about the prospect of demonstrations in the UK over his visit, Mr Trump told reporters: 'They like me a lot in the UK. I think they agree with me on immigration.'

He added: 'I think that's why Brexit happened.'

Sources close to the President have warned a lucrative transatlantic trade deal would be impossible if the UK keeps close ties with Brussels.

One ally told The Daily Telegraph: '[He] is going to express disappointment that the British government is not going to be in a position to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.'

Mr Trump headed for the UK immediately after the press conference for his highly controversial visit - which is expected to be marred by mass protests in London tomorrow.

Protesters have vowed to try to keep Mr Trump awake all night by creating a 'wall of sound' outside the US ambassadorial residence in Regents park where he will be staying tonight.

Demonstrators have been told to bring a long pots, drums and noisy plastic horns known as vuvuzelas as they descend on the central London spot from 5.30pm tonight.

Writing on the event's Facebook page, organisers said: 'Ahead of the main demonstration on Friday, we want to create a wall of sound to give him the (un)welcome he deserves. Bring your megaphones, whistles, pots and pans and anything else you can make noise with!'

Some 2,600 people have said they are 'interested' in going to the event, later today.

But Mr Trump will spend as little time as possible in the capital - and is being whisked away to Blenheim Palace - Winston Churchill's ancestral home in Oxfordshire - for a banquet tonight.

The PM is trying to woo the President with dinner of Scottish salmon, English Hereford beef filet and vegetables, and strawberries and clotted cream ice cream.

He will hold talks with Mrs May at her country retreat at Chequers rather than at No10 in a bid the President away from the tens of thousands of protesters expected to descend on the capital.

At Chequers the two leaders will dine on Dover sole, Chiltern lamb and vegetables, and lemon meringue pie.

But the trip comes at a tricky time for the two leaders, whose relationship has been rocky.

Mr Trump sparked a major diplomatic row at the NATO summit by accusing Germany of being a 'captive of Russia' because the country imports nearly all its gas from Moscow.

At the press conference today, the US president described himself as a 'very stable genius' for securing agreements for extra cash after years of the burden falling on America.

He said he told counterparts this morning that he was 'extremely unhappy' with the lack of progress being made towards meeting the alliance target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence.

But he said that since last year around an additional 33 billion dollars, not including the US, had been raised and it was now 'unnecessary' to withdraw from the organisation.

'The United States' commitment to Nato remains very strong,' he said. Mr Trump said Nato was 'probably the greatest' but the US had been paying between 70-90 per cent towards it.

Speaking in Brussels, he told reporters: 'Yesterday, I let them know I was extremely unhappy with what was happening and they have substantially upped their commitment.'

NATOwas now 'much stronger than it was two days ago', he said. 'I believe in NATO,' he added.

He provoked anger in the UK earlier this week when he took a swipe at the 'turmoil' in British politics.

He also heaped praise on his 'friend' Mr Johnson - who had quit the Cabinet and plunged Mrs May's premiership into turmoil just a day before.

And he said that his panned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday may be 'easier' than his rip to the UK.

No10 immediately tried to play down the comments - insisting they had taken them as 'humourous'.

But tensions between the two leaders over Russia and NATO threaten to cast a shadow over the trip.

The PM delivered a stark warning to Mr Trump not to split NATO by appeasing Mr Putin when they meet in Helsinki next week.

The Prime Minister made clear she welcomes the 'engagement' between the US president and the Russian president on Monday.

But she insisted there must be 'unity and strength' in the military alliance and he must not skirt issues like the Salisbury nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and daughter Yulia.

In remarks released by No10, she said that when it came to dealing with Russia, it was essential to do so from a position of strength underpinned by alliance unity.

'As we engage Russia we must do so from a position of unity and strength, holding out hope for a better future, but also clear and unwavering on where Russia needs to change its behaviour for this to become a reality,' she said.

In London, Scotland Yard is braced for some of the biggest protests in living memory as tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to pour into London to vent their fury at the President.

A giant baloon depicting Mr Trump as a baby in a nappy will be flown over the capital as part of the protest.

And activists from trade unions and the Labour grassroots group Momentum are expected to join the throng.

Demonstrators have vowed to try to keep Mr Trump up all night by gathering near the large US ambassadorial residence in Regents Park where he will stay tonight, with drums, pots and pans which they will bang.

The police operation for his trip is expected to cost at least £8million.

'A lot of people like me there': Donald Trump shrugs off protest fears ahead of UK visit TODAY as 'ring of steel' forms for May summit and tea with the Queen

Britain is bracing itself for Donald Trump today as he brushed off mass protests over his red carpet visit and said: 'I think they like me a lot in the UK - they're great people'.

The US President will meet the Prime Minister and Queen in a three-day visit and will land at Stansted Airport with First Lady Melania this afternoon for the start of his controversial trip.

Already waiting for him in the UK are up to 1,000 of his own staff and a giant motorcade led by his chemicals weapon-proof Cadillac nicknamed 'The Beast' as well as multiple helicopters dotted around the country.

Before taking off for the UK he gave an extraordinary press conference in Brussels this morning after giving NATO leaders a bruising over military funding.

He was asked if he feared mass protests and said: 'I think it's fine. A lot of people like me there. I think they agree with me on immigration. I think that's why Brexit happened'.

Despite not being an official state visit he will be treated to a Guard of Honour when he meets the Queen at Windsor Castle for tea tomorrow to ensure the US leader feels he is being treated with the appropriate level of pomp and ceremony.

There will also be a grand dinner at Blenheim Palace tonight - Winston Churchill's ancestral seat - as well as a lunch with Theresa May at her grand Chequers country residence in Buckinghamshire.

And he will stay at the US Ambassador official residence in Regent's Park, London, tonight, which has been surrounded by a ring of steel of new security fences and road barriers to prevent a terror attack.

Protesters have vowed to try to keep Mr Trump awake all night by creating a 'wall of sound' outside the US ambassadorial residence in Regents park where he will be staying tonight.

Demonstrators have been told to bring a long pots, drums and noisy plastic horns known as vuvuzelas as they descend on the central London spot from 5.30pm tonight.

Writing on the event's Facebook page, organisers said: 'Ahead of the main demonstration on Friday, we want to create a wall of sound to give him the (un)welcome he deserves. Bring your megaphones, whistles, pots and pans and anything else you can make noise with!'

Some 2,600 people have said they are 'interested' in going to the event, later today.

On Saturday he will fly up to Scotland to play golf at one of his resorts and his son Eric landed in the family's 'Trump Force One' private jet at Aberdeen this morning.

Protesters plan to follow him wherever he goes and 10,000 police officers have been drafted in to protect him - the largest number deployed since the 2011 riots.

Today the US President described Britain as a 'pretty hot spot right now with a lot of resignations' and suggested his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on Monday could be easier.

And he made clear that he did not approve of the softer stance the PM has been advocating despite fury from many Tory MPs.

'Brexit is Brexit, the people voted to break it up so I would imagine that is what they'll do, but they might take a different route, I'm not sure that's what people voted for,' Mr Trump said, adding: 'They're great people - I just want them to be happy'.

He added: 'The EU better be careful. Immigration is taking over Europe'.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has allowed a group to fly a giant balloon showing Mr Trump as a baby in a nappy over the capital throughout his visit.

Nearly every force in England and Wales has contributed officers to help with the massive mobilisation, the biggest since the 2011 riots.

The US President arrives after giving NATO leaders a tongue-lashing in Brussels over defence spending and controversial comments about Britain being in 'turmoil'.

He said he got along with Theresa May 'very well', but suggested he might make time during his UK visit to speak with his friend Boris Johnson, who has just rocked her Government by resigning as foreign secretary.

It was 'up to the people' whether or not they want Mrs May to stay as Prime Minister, he added.

The tight security surrounding the visit will attempt to avoid exposing Mr Trump to planned protests in central London.

His schedule involves a black tie dinner at Blenheim Palace tonight with US and UK business leaders and cabinet ministers, hosted by Mrs May.

Ahead of his arrival the PM said she would use the visit to 'forge a strengthened, ambitious and future-proof trade partnership' with the US after Brexit.

Mrs May said there is 'no stronger alliance' than the special relationship between the two countries and 'there will be no alliance more important in the years ahead'.

Hailing the two countries 'uniquely close partnership in the fight for democracy and global security' she also pointed to our 'unrivalled' trade and investment relationship.

'The commitment to NATO remains very strong': Trump claims victory and says he is NOT looking to pull out of the military alliance after spending pledges from other states

Donald Trump claimed victory today and pledged to stick with NATO after member nations agreed to step up their contributions.

At a hastily-scheduled news conference, Mr Trump pronounced: 'The commitment to NATO remains very strong.'

The president told reporters in Belgium that he has 'no problem' with NATO now that member nations have agreed to spend 33 billion more on their defense.

'We made a tremendous amount of progress today,' the American president said.

Trump attempted to calm fears in Brussels by promising that he's a 'stable genius' who will not change his mind once he leaves the summit. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had told reporters that Trump 'was in a good mood' but said he 'has Wi-Fi on the plane, so we will have to see in the end.'

The U.S. president left an emergency session of NATO's top body to set the record straight in the international press before an afternoon departure.

'Yesterday, I let them know that I was extremely unhappy with what was happening and they have substantially upped their commitment,' a pleased Trump announced.

NATO devolved into chaos on Thursday as President Trump reportedly threatened to pull out of the organization if countries refuse to meet not only a 2 percent spending commitment but double it to four.

Trump reportedly told leaders the U.S. would go it alone if NATO nations do not step up their contributions.

The U.S. president headed into his second day of NATO talks determined to convince fellow world leaders that they must hike the organization's defense spending levels.

Trump said once again that the United States is paying far too much for their collective security and that all nations, especially the wealthy ones, need to jack their contributions up.

'On top of it all, Germany just started paying Russia, the country they want protection from, Billions of Dollars for their Energy needs coming out of a new pipeline from Russia,' he tweeted. 'Not acceptable! All NATO Nations must meet their 2% commitment, and that must ultimately go to 4%!'

Trump will spend hours with world leaders behind closed doors before departing Brussels on Thursday afternoon for a two-day swing through the U.K.

The president who championed the 'Art of the Deal' indicated that he was ready for battle in the morning by dashing off new tweets that were critical of NATO's defense position.

Instead of asking allies to meet an uncontested 2 per cent goal that they agreed in 2014 to reach by 2024, Trump said they need to plan for 4 percent.

Addressing one of his own weaknesses, an alleged entanglement between his presidential campaign and Russia, Trump said that NATO allies should look in the mirror and consider what they might to differently to protect themselves from Vladimir Putin.

'Presidents have been trying unsuccessfully for years to get Germany and other rich NATO Nations to pay more toward their protection from Russia. They pay only a fraction of their cost. The U.S. pays tens of Billions of Dollars too much to subsidize Europe, and loses Big on Trade!' he complained.

1,000 staff, helicopters, planes and his bomb-proof 'Beast': The incredible entourage following Donald Trump to Britain Two Boeing C17 Globemastet US Air Force planes delivered part of the Presidential Motorcade at Prestwick Airport, South Ayrshire, ahead of the visit of US President Donald Trump Donald Trump will be accompanied by as many as 1,000 staff, a motorcade and multiple helicopters during his UK trip. Here is what the presidential entourage is made up of: The US leader will emerge from Air Force One - one of two specially modified Boeing 747-200s. The luxurious aircraft, carrying the tail codes 28000 and 29000, are highly customised and can act as a mobile command centre in the event of an attack on the United States. The words 'United States of America', the Seal of the President of the United States and the American flag are all visible on the outside of the plane, making it instantly recognisable. The aircraft has 4,000 square feet of floor space, including a Presidential suite with a large office and conference room, a medical suite that can be used as an operating room and two food preparation galleys that can feed 100 people at a time. Overseas trips see additional staff and security flown over on an Air Force C-32, which is a modified Boeing 757. The presidential motorcade, which includes two identical limousines, nicknamed The Beast, and other security and communications vehicles, is brought across by Air Force transport aircraft. The Beast is a seven-seat black armoured limousine which reportedly costs two million US dollars (£1.5 million) and is designed to give Mr Trump the ultimate protection. It can be turned into a sealed panic room with oxygen tanks, night-vision camera and reinforced steel plating said to be able to resist bullets, chemical attacks and bombs. The Cadillac has Kevlar-reinforced tyres and steel rims that can keep the vehicle moving even if the tyres have been destroyed. Bottles of the president's blood type are carried on board in case of a medical emergency, and a satellite phone enables communication to be maintained from anywhere in the world. As well as being able to defend the president, the car also features a host of attacking capabilities, such as a pump-action shotgun and a tear gas cannon. Several black Secret Service 4x4s took to the road with a police escort as part of the huge security operation A number of presidential helicopters, either VH-3D Sea Kings or VH-60N White Hawks - which are known as Marine One when the president is on board - are also brought on overseas trips. The Marine One helicopter is fitted with communications equipment, anti-missile defences and hardened hulls. Staff and security personnel are ferried around in MV-22 Ospreys and CH-46s. Staff typically involved in an overseas trip include Secret Service post-standers, military communications specialists and White House aides. The president has at his side at all times a White House doctor and one of five rotating military aides who carry the nuclear 'football' - equipped with communication tools and a book with prepared war plans. There is always a group of 13 members of the press on such visits, including three wire reporters, two print reporters, four photographers, a three-person television crew, and a radio reporter.</s>Donald Trump is "deeply sexist" and people should protest against his visit to the UK if the Prime Minister won't, according to Bath's MP.

Wera Hobhouse told Bath Live she doesn't think she can find a single policy she and the President of the United States agree on.

She argued the values held by people in Bath - of tolerance and openness - contrast starkly with Trump's world view.

You can read Wera Hobhouse's thoughts on Trump's visit in full below

The US president will begin a visit to the UK on Thursday (July 12) with large protests planned in London and elsewhere in the country.

Bath's MP said: "The US is one of the UK’s closest allies and we need to engage in meaningful dialogue with all heads of state, including President Trump.

"But our government is in complete disarray and I wonder whether Mrs May will be able to stand up to Mr Trump on key issues that directly conflict with our nation’s best interests, including Brexit, trade and defence."

In the absence of serious scrutiny from Prime Minister Theresa May, Mrs Hobhouse said she backed peaceful protest in Bath and elsewhere.

There will be a gathering to oppose the President in Bath on Thursday (July 12).

Mrs Hobhouse said: "There is a peaceful protest planned in Bath on Thursday from 5 - 6 pm outside the Guildhall.

"It’s been called by individuals who are concerned about Trump’s policies and behaviour on the international stage.

"Many more will be demonstrating in London and around the country during his visit.

"If the Prime Minister won’t stand up to Trump, then I support the democratic right of our citizens to do so."

In a frank and passionate opinion piece for Bath Live, Mrs Hobhouse pointed out differences between Bath and Trump in several areas - on the EU, the environment, women's rights and more.

You can read Mrs Hobhouse's opinion piece on Trump's visit in full below.

Why I’m Wary of President Trump by Bath MP Wera Hobhouse As we prepare for the President’s imminent arrival, I have reflected and I can honestly say I cannot think of a single policy point on which I agree with President Trump. Bath consistently proves that it’s an open-minded, tolerant place, and Trump’s views are at odds with many of the things we collectively value as a city. Like many of you, I’m deeply committed to women’s rights; Trump has a reputation, and has made deeply sexist comments. Again, this city has an environmental conscience, yet Trump is a climate change denier. Obviously, we all believe in human rights. His administration’s separation of children and parents who have crossed the border from Mexico into the US is despicable. There are many more differences I could list, as I’m sure you could as well. I’m a passionate pro-European and believe that we need to work together to solve problems that transcend borders. Trump would rather construct walls and shut others out. We live in a global world and the way forward lies in embracing alliances and building on each other’s strengths. The US is one of the UK’s closest allies and we need to engage in meaningful dialogue with all heads of state, including President Trump. But our government is in complete disarray and I wonder whether Mrs May will be able to stand up to Mr Trump on key issues that directly conflict with our nation’s best interests, including Brexit, trade and defence. We must build the most constructive relationship possible with the US. But it cannot be at the cost of our environment, our economy, our NHS and our standing as a principled democratic nation. I am very sceptical about so-called free trade deals with the US which our government has touted. Brexit will weaken the UK and as the weaker partner in trade deals, we will naturally be worse off than we are as part of the EU, which is a hugely powerful trading bloc. As far as trade deals with the US are concerned, we can either compete with Iowa or we can have a green Brexit, we can’t have both. If we have to compete with Iowa, the British landscape will be changed forever. So I am worried about how Trump’s presidency will affect the UK. There are also very worrying questions to be answered about the role of Russia in both the UK Leave campaign and in Trump’s campaign. There is a peaceful protest planned in Bath on Thursday 12th July from 5 - 6 pm outside the Guildhall. It’s been called by individuals who are concerned about Trump’s policies and behaviour on the international stage. Many more will be demonstrating in London and around the country during his visit. If the Prime Minister won’t stand up to Trump, then I support the democratic right of our citizens to do so.

Before setting off for a NATO summit and his visit to the UK, President Trump described the UK as being in "turmoil".

He was presumably referring to the resignations of Brexit secretary David Davis and foreign secretary Boris Johnson from Theresa May's cabinet.

Mr Trump said he had "always liked" Boris Johnson and described him as a "friend", according to the BBC.

Against that backdrop, it's possible Theresa May won't be hugely happy to host the President.

But the Prime Minister needs some good news, with Brexit negotiations looking fragile.

A trade deal with the US has been touted by many as a balm for Britain's economy after the UK leaves the European Union.

Donald Trump is far from a stable and predictable ally, however.

A giant balloon, depicting the President as a baby, will fly above London this week.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, approved its use after campaigners raised the thousands needed to fly it.

For that reason - and the spectre of other protests - Trump is expected to steer clear of London, if he can.

He will dine at Blenheim Palace near Oxford on Thursday night (July 12).

Then on Friday (July 13) he will meet Theresa May at the Prime Minister's country residence, Chequers (where the cabinet deal on Brexit was devised last week).

Trump will then move on to meet the Queen at Windsor Castle, before finishing his trip with some golf in Scotland on Saturday (July 14), probably at one of his own resorts.

Or have another local news story? Email liam.trim@reachplc.com.

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Alternatively, follow us on Twitter - Bath and Somerset .</s>(CNN) — US President Donald Trump arrived for a controversial two-day visit to the UK Thursday, shrugging off the prospect of protests and declaring that he was popular with Britons because of his hardline stance on immigration.

Shortly before leaving a turbulent NATO summit in Brussels, Trump said the British people shared his concerns on immigration, claiming “that’s why Brexit happened.”

His comments were a signal that his trip to the UK — billed as a “working” visit but laced a degree of pomp and ceremony — would be eventful. He is due to hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May and take tea with Queen Elizabeth II. His schedule has been carefully designed to avoid planned protests, including the flying of a giant “baby Trump” balloon.

Trump arrived at Stansted airport, north of London, early Thursday afternoon. He was flown by helicopter to the residence of the US ambassador to the UK at Regent’s Park, central London, where a large steel security fence has been erected.

Trump will spend the night there after a black-tie dinner at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of one of his heroes, Winston Churchill.

Speaking at the dinner, May repeated her desire to conclude a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

“As we prepare to leave the European Union, we have an unprecedented opportunity to do more. It’s an opportunity to reach a free trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States,” she said, in remarks released by Downing Street.

“It’s also an opportunity to tear down the bureaucratic barriers that frustrate business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Security is tight for Trump’s visit. London’s Metropolitan Police has drafted in reinforcements from almost every police force in the UK, Home Office minister Nick Hurt told the UK parliament on Thursday. He said it was a “significant” policing operation but that the right to protest was “a fundamental one and needs to be respected.”

Asked if he was concerned about protests during his visit, Trump told reporters in Brussels: “I think they like me in the UK. I think they agree with me on immigration.” He reminded reporters that his mother was from Scotland, which he plans to visit at the weekend.

On Thursday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in London’s Regent’s Park in protest. The protestors blared bells and whistles, chanting “Stay out, stay clear, Donald Trump get out of here” and booed as the US President left for Blenheim Palace in a helicopter with his wife.

Trump also issued a warning to the European Union, telling it to “be very careful” of increasing immigration into the region, as he described a global backlash to migration.

“I … partially won an election because of immigration,” he said, also pointing to Italy’s recent vote, in which Giuseppe Conte took government after campaigning on a populist anti-immigration platform.

Trump also weighed in on British political affairs. “I’m going to a pretty hot spot right now, right? With a lot of resignations,” he said, in a reference to recent turmoil in May’s government.

Asked for his views on Britain’s departure from the European Union, Trump said he did not wish to be seen as interfering in UK politics. But he said: “I would say Brexit is Brexit,” echoing the “Brexit means Brexit” phrase often used by May.

“The people voted to break it up so I imagine that is what they would do, but maybe they’re taking a different route,” he added, apparently referring to the UK government’s recent decision to pursue a closer relationship with the European Union after Brexit. “I’m not sure that’s what they voted for,” Trump said.

MORE: Donald Trump brings own wall of steel on UK visit as protesters gather

Trump postponed his trip to the UK several times as a petition to block him from entering the country gained so many signatures that it was debated in parliament. The UK parliament’s Speaker made clear that Trump would not be invited to address MPs.

The petition against Trump claimed an official state visit would be embarrassing for the Queen.

He again postponed his visit in January this year after remarking that the relocation of the US embassy in London was a “bad deal” made by President Obama, and that he was not interested in cutting the ribbon at the opening.</s>We all know that Donald Trump loves to boast about the size of his crowds - today he can truly say they came out in their many thousands in his name.

Of course, from what we know of the Donald, any suggestion the masses turned out in opposition to his visit will fall into the category of "fake news".

Organisers claimed 250,000 people turned out for the huge demonstration in London.

While police have not given an official estimate, to my eyes this was one of the biggest rallies in recent years.

It was mass mobilisation by many disparate groups, all united in their belief that President Donald Trump should not have been afforded an official welcome to the UK.

The demonstrators, young and old, families and many individuals, came from far and wide.

Sara Jamil said she was protesting against Mr Trump's "racist, sexist, anti-immigrant" attitudes.

A protester named Mal said fury at the US president's LGBTQ policies meant they "had to be here".

Another demonstrator called Misa held a sign supporting Stormy Daniels - the adult film star who claims she had an affair with the president - in the wake of her "politically motivated" arrest.

It perhaps shouldn't be surprising in this most cosmopolitan of cities that so many of the marchers were not from the UK.

I lost count of the number of Americans on the march, more than happy that their head of state was being condemned and ridiculed on such a mass scale.

But it shouldn't be forgotten that they represent one side of the debate in the US and abroad.

For every anti-Trump protester, there are those who support and admire this most bombastic of presidents - a self-declared "disrupter" of main stream politics.

A pub in Hammersmith was renamed The Trump Arms for the president's visit after landlord Damien Smith said he wanted to counter "disrespectful" protests.

He branded the decision to allow a "Trump baby" blimp to be flown near parliament "disgraceful".

"To insult our great friends, and great allies, like that is not on," Mr Smith said. "It's childish behaviour."

Despite a handful of Trump supporters gathering at the pub, we didn't find too many along the route of the London match.

A few entered into a healthy exchange of views, but for the most part, this was an anti-Trump day.

Saturday is likely to be somewhat different when an official pro-Trump march in London will coincide with another anti-Trump demo.

While Friday was largely good-humoured and well-attended, the day after - against a backdrop of 30C (86F) temperatures - might just be a bit more heated.</s>US President Donald Trump said Friday ties between Britain and the US were “very very strong” after launching an extraordinary attack on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit strategy during a visit already marked by protests.

Sitting alongside his host at the start of talks at May’s country retreat of Chequers, Trump told reporters: “The relationship is very, very strong. We really have a very good relationship.”

Their meeting came just hours after an interview was published in which Trump said May’s plans for close future ties with the European Union would “probably kill” her hopes for a US trade deal.

He suggested this was not what voters wanted, said he had advised May to take another path and added that Boris Johnson, who quit as foreign minister over the plan, would make “a great prime minister”.

Trump’s comments saw the value of the pound plunge on currency markets.

On Friday, Trump said that at a gala dinner at Blenheim Palace the night before he and May spoke for almost 90 minutes and had “probably never developed a better relationship”.

The prime minister smiled and said there was “a lot to discuss”, including “the special relationship, which is great, between the UK and US”.

She said they would discuss “the real opportunities” on a US trade deal, as well as foreign, defence and security issues “where we work really closely together”.

Trump’s interview with The Sun came before he flew into Britain on Thursday from Brussels, where he subjected NATO allies to a roasting over their defence spending.

Junior foreign minister Alan Duncan sought to brush off the remarks, telling the BBC: “Donald Trump is a controversialist, that’s his style… I don’t think we see it as rude.”

In London, demonstrators began gathering for a mass protest against Trump, beginning with the flying of a huge balloon of the president depicted as a crying baby outside the Houses of Parliament.

“I think it’s hilarious. It’s an accurate representation of his politics which are so immature. He never enters into adult discussion,” said Paul Fonseca, 23.

Trump, a long-time supporter of Brexit, told The Sun he had advised May on her strategy to leave the EU but was ignored.

“She wanted to go a different route. I would actually say that she probably went the opposite way. And that is fine,” he said.

“She should negotiate the best way she knows how. But it is too bad what is going on.”

The government published its blueprint on Thursday calling for close trade ties with the EU after it leaves the bloc next March.

“The deal she is striking is a much different deal than the one the people voted on,” in the 2016 EU referendum, Trump said.

May insists the plan will protect trade with the EU while giving Britain the freedom to strike its own deals with other countries like the US.

But Trump said: “If they do a deal like that, we would be dealing with the European Union instead of dealing with the UK, so it will probably kill the deal.”

His comments reflect many of the concerns of eurosceptics in May’s Conservative party, risking fuelling a revolt sparked by the resignations of Johnson and Brexit secretary David Davis over the plan this week.

British politicians rounded on Trump for his intervention, with one minister asking “Where are your manners, Mr President?” and the opposition Labour party calling him “extraordinarily rude”.

Anthony Gardner, who was ambassador to the EU to former president Barack Obama, said Trump’s attack was “totally unacceptable” and “unprecedented” in the middle of a high-profile visit.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders later sought to limit the damage, saying Trump was “thankful for the wonderful welcome” he received in Britain.

“The president likes and respects Prime Minister May very much,” she said.

Trump and May watched a display of military special forces on Friday before their formal talks which were due to include Russia, ahead of a summit in Finland on Monday between Trump and President Vladimir Putin.

Putin’s government is accused by May’s of unleashing a deadly nerve agent in the English city of Salisbury. Moscow denies the charge, but May is pressing Trump to raise the issue with Putin.

Trump will later Friday take tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, before spending the weekend in Scotland on a private visit that will likely take in 18 holes at one of the property magnate’s golf courses, where more protesters await him.

He will not attend any high-profile events in London, where the big demonstrations are planned, but would have heard protesters outside the ambassador’s residence where he and his wife stayed Thursday.

Melania Trump visited veterans on Friday at London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea where she also met local school children, accompanied by May’s husband Philip.</s>BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May invoked wartime leader Winston Churchill and strong transatlantic ties while welcoming Donald Trump as he kicked off his UK tour on Thursday night — hours after he began a protest-laden visit by questioning her Brexit strategy.

Welcoming the American president and First Lady Melania Trump to a black-tie dinner with business leaders at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Churchill, Mrs May said the two countries’ “most special of relationships has a long and proud history”.

“Mr President, Sir Winston Churchill once said that ‘to have the United States at our side was, to me, the greatest joy,’” she said.

“Now, for the benefit of all our people, let us work together to build a more prosperous future,” Mrs May added after calling for a free-trade agreement with the US after Britain leaves the European Union next March.

However, the convention-shredding president ignored diplomatic niceties ahead of touching down for the four-day visit — his first to Britain since taking power — by rebuking his beleaguered host as she struggles over Brexit.

At a press conference in Brussels following a NATO summit there just before flying to London, Mr Trump cast doubt on whether Mrs May will deliver on British voters’ intentions when they backed leaving the EU in a 2016 referendum.

“The people voted to break it up (Britain’s ties with the EU),” Mr Trump said.

“So I would imagine that’s what they will do, but maybe they will take a little bit of a different route. I don’t know (if) that is what they voted for.”

Mr Trump arrived at the reception to much pomp and ceremony. On the one hand, the bands of the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards were playing in his honour and on the other, anti-Trump protesters with critical signs lined the roadway leading to the palace near Oxford.

However, it’s unlikely the Trumps even saw them.

Instead, the couple arrived via helicopter and were driven by presidential limousine onto the property, where they were welcomed by the British Prime Minister and her husband Philip.

The couples then enjoyed a performance by a large British military marching band wearing traditional bearskin hats.

The president is set to largely avoid mass protests planned for his controversial trip, which includes talks with Mrs May, tea with Queen Elizabeth II and a private weekend in Scotland.

He landed at Stansted Airport on Thursday afternoon and was whisked by helicopter to Winfield House, the American diplomatic residence in London.

At a welcoming garden party, the Beatles track “We can work it out” played in the background.

Mr Trump had earlier shrugged off the organised demonstrations, which on Friday will include a giant baby-shaped balloon bearing the president’s features and has required police to be mobilised from across the country.

“They like me a lot in the UK,” he declared in Brussels.

But it appears the president might be wearing rose-coloured glasses. Some 77 per cent of Britons have an unfavourable view of Mr Trump, according to a poll by YouGov with 1,648 respondents.

Hundreds of placard-waving protesters gathered outside both Winfield House and Blenhein Palace late Thursday, but extensive cordons kept them far from Mr Trump.

“He’s fundamentally damaging the culture, the discourse, the rules, the laws,” said Calah Singleton, a 28-year-old writer who turned out in London.

Meanwhile Amnesty International unveiled a 15-metre banner on Vauxhall bridge opposite the US Embassy branding him a “Human Rights Nightmare”.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who signed off on the so-called “Trump Baby” blimp, defended the decision on Thursday, arguing the protests were not anti-American.

“But having a special relationship means that we expect the highest standards from each other, and it also means speaking out when we think the values we hold dear are under threat,” he said.

Despite a series of diplomatic spats between Britain and Mr Trump, Mrs May is hoping for a quick trade deal with the US after it leaves the EU.

“It’s an opportunity to reach a free-trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States,” Mrs May told the guests at Blenheim Palace.

She added it was “also an opportunity to tear down the bureaucratic barriers that frustrate business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic”.

But Brexit champion Nigel Farage, a critic of Mrs May’s Brexit plans — formally unveiled in a policy paper on Thursday — predicted there would be “confrontation” on the visit.

“The Americans can’t believe, quite frankly, what a mess we’re making of Brexit,” he told the BBC.

Mrs May weathered the resignations of her Brexit and foreign ministers earlier this week over the proposals.

Mr Trump also arrived in Britain after a fraught NATO summit in Brussels where he piled pressure on allies, including Britain, to double their defence spending.

And following his UK visit, he is due for talks in Helsinki on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose government Mrs May has accused of unleashing a lethal nerve agent in the city of Salisbury.

Mr Trump is due to stay overnight at Winfield House, where demonstrators plan to play recordings of migrant children held in US detention centres.

On Friday, he will hold talks with Mrs May expected to focus on Brexit and Russia, at the prime minister’s Chequers country residence followed by a press conference.

He will then head to Windsor Castle for tea with the queen, as protesters stage a mass demonstration in London.

His next move will be to travel north to Scotland, where he will spend the weekend privately, joined by son Eric Trump.

Mr Trump’s late mother hailed from Scotland, and he owns two luxury golf courses there.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in the UK for his presidential trip to the country amid widespread protests.