
Donald Trump and Theresa May walked hand in hand at the White House today as they hailed a resurgent Special Relationship - and he insisted Brexit would be 'wonderful'.

The President said he was 'honoured' by Mrs May's visit and that relations between the two long-standing allies had never been stronger as the leaders held a press conference at the White House.

He also signalled he had reassured Mrs May about America's commitment to NATO and pledged to continue the working relationship between the two countries.

The British Prime Minister also revealed that the President and First Lady have accepted an invitation from the Queen to make a state visit to the UK later this year with full pomp and ceremony.

The leaders were deep in conversation as they walked through the colonnades at the famous building

Mr Trump and Mrs May were spotted holding hands at one point as they walked around the White House grounds

The Prime Minister became the first world leader to visit the US president at the White House, sealing their fledgling alliance with a warm handshake in the Oval Office

Mrs May has become the first world leader to visit the new commander-in-chief, sealing their fledgling alliance with a warm handshake.

And the new leader of the free world said the meeting renewed Britain and America's 'military, cultural, financial and political bond'.

Rounding off a two-day visit that will have delighted Downing Street, the two leaders:

Lavished praise on each other at a press conference in the White House. Mr Trump said: 'I believe we are going to have a fantastic relationship'

The US president said the bond between the countries was 'stronger than ever' and hailed the 'wonderful' future for the UK after Brexit

Mrs May announced that Mr Trump had accepted an invite to come to Britain for a state visit with full pomp and ceremony later this year

The PM said a trade deal between the UK and US would be 'great' for both nations

Mrs May said the President had reassured her he was '100 per cent' behind NATO. Asked whether she had raised any other potentially difficult areas with Mr Trump in their talks, she replied: 'I've been listening to the President, and the President has been listening to me'

Mr Trump played down the idea that the US could start using torture against terror suspects, saying it would be up to his secretary of defense and he opposed it

The US commander-in-chief said he was hoping to have a 'fantastic' relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Opening their first press conference together, President Trump said: 'I am honoured to have the Prime Minister here for our first official visit from a foreign leader.

'It is our first visit so a great honour.

'The special relationship between our two countries has been one of the great forces for justice and for peace and by the way, my mother was born in Scotland - Stornoway, which is serious Scotland.

'Today the United States renews our deep bond with Britain, from the military, financial, cultural and political - we have one of the great bonds and we pledge our lasting support to this most special relationship.'

He said together America and the United Kingdom were 'for prosperity and the rule of law.'

President Trump also went on to praise the British people for their 'self determination' in voting for Brexit.

He added: 'That is why the US respects the sovereignty of the British people and their right of self determination.

'A free and independent Britain is a blessing to the world and our relationship has never been stronger.

Mr Trump said a 'free and independent Britain is a blessing to the world' in an enthusiastic welcome for Brexit

President Trump also went to praise the British people for their 'self determination' in voting for Brexit

Opening their first press conference together, President Trump said he was honoured to have Mrs May as his first foreign leader to visit

The joint press conference between Mr Trump and Mrs May was held in the East Room at the White House

'Both America and Britain understand that governments must be responsible to everyday working people, that governments must represent their own citizens.

'Madam PM, we look forward to working closely with you as we strengthen our mutual ties and commerce, business and foreign affairs.

'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 - it's a really great pleasure.'

Mrs May replied: 'I'm delighted to be able to congratulate you on what was a stunning election victory.

The President said relations between the two long-standing allies had never been stronger as the leaders held a press conference at the White House

Mr Trump said it was 'an honour' to have Mrs May in the White House and also said he was honoured to have the Churchill bust in place

President Trump also went to praise the British people for their 'self determination' in voting for Brexit

'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.

TRUMP AND MAY: AT A GLANCE Trump hailed Britain's Brexit vote as a 'blessing to the world'.

He confirmed to May that he was '100 per cent in favour of Nato' despite previously saying the military alliance was 'obsolete'.

Heralded the US-UK special relationship as 'one of the great forces in history' and said it was 'a great honour' that May is the first foreign leader to visit him.

In return May congratulates Trump for his 'stunning election victory'.

She announces the President and First Lady have accepted an invitation from the Queen to visit the UK later this year.

They signalled work has begun on setting out the framework for a US-UK free trade deal.

May says she's 'convinced' a free trade deal between the two countries will be in the best interests of both Americans and the British.

Trump signals he will not bring back torture after being challenged by BBC journalist. Yesterday he said waterboarding 'absolutely works'.

President says he hopes to strike a 'fantastic' partnership with Russian president Vladimir Putin and also hopes to have a 'fantastic' relationship with China, despite previous criticism of Beijing.

But PM reaffirmed support for keeping EU sanctions against Russia.

Two leaders pledge to build on their partnership on defence, which the PM describes as the 'broadest, deepest and the most advanced' in the world.

May says she will not be afraid of standing up to Trump if necessary. 'I've been listening to the President and the President has been listening to me – that's the point of having a dialogue,' she says. Advertisement

Challenged about his views on torture, Russia, banning Muslims and punishment for abortion by BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Trump joked to Mrs May: 'This was your choice of a question. There goes that relationship.'

The Prime Minister said: 'I have been listening to the president and the president has been listening to me. That's the point of having a conversation and a dialogue.'

She added: 'There will be times when we disagree and issues on which we disagree.

'The point of the special relationship is that we are able to have that open and frank discussion so we are able to make that clear when it happens.

'But I am clear also that there are many issues on which the UK and the US stand alongside one another, many issues on which we agree.'

She said an 'even stronger special relationship' would be in the interests of the wider world.

Mrs May said there would be further talks and insisted there is 'much on which we agree'.

She said: 'We are discussing how we can work even more closely together in order to take on and defeat Daesh and the ideology of Islamist extremism wherever it is found.

The PM said there would be deeper intelligence and security co-operation between the UK and the US including measures to counter the terror group in cyberspace.

Mrs May said the two nations are united in recognising NATO as the 'bulwark and collective defence'.

Before the press conference, the pair bonded over a bust of Churchill - which Mr Trump has moved into the famous Oval Office in a mark of respect to the wartime leader and the UK.

Mr Trump said it was 'an honour' to have Mrs May in the White House.

Pointing to the sculpture of Churchill, he said: 'This is the original, in many ways, in many ways and it's a great honour to have Winston Churchill back.

Mrs May replied: 'Well thank you Mr President.'

Mr Trump added: 'Such an honour.'

In contrast to the red carpet treatment being granted to the PM, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande will have to make do with a phone call with Mr Trump tomorrow.

The US commander-in-chief is also due to speak to Vladimir Putin.

Mrs May urged Mr Trump today to be wary of the Russian president, and secured his commitment to supporting NATO, which she regards as the 'cornerstone of the West's defence'.

PS: WE KNEW WE'D SEEN THAT RED OUTFIT BEFORE! By Camilla Ridley-Day for the Daily Mail If Theresa May's suit looks familiar, it is. The £1,090 tomato red Amanda Wakeley dress and jacket combo has been her 'go to' outfit on the world stage and has been seen on at least ten occasions in the past three years. The pendant and patriotic, modesty-preserving red, white and blue scarf are recognisable, too, creating an elegant ensemble in which she clearly feels confident and glamorous without being overstated. Planned with comfort and business in mind, last year alone she wore it to meet Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Jean-Claude Juncker. Prime Minister Theresa May wore her red suit and jacket outfit at George Osborne's Budget speech in 2016 at the House of Commons Last year, the Prime Minister wore the red dress and jacket combination to meet Jean-Claude Juncker (left) and former President Barack Obama (right) The £1,090 tomato red Amanda Wakeley dress and jacket combination (left) has been her 'go to' outfit on the world stage and Mrs May wore it when she met Vladimir Putin Advertisement

Mrs May urged Mr Trump today to be wary of the Russian president, and secured his commitment to supporting NATO

Mrs May will urge Mr Trump today to be wary of Russian president Vladimir Putin, and attempt to secure his commitment to supporting NATO

The pair bonded over a bust of Churchill - which Mr Trump has moved into the famous office below a portrait of American Founding Father Thomas Jefferson in a mark of respect to the wartime leader and Britain

Theresa May is being given the red carpet treatment by the new US administration at the White House today

Mrs May and the commander-in-chief are set to cover an array of topics over lunch, including crucially trying to hammer out the basis of a wide-ranging post-Brexit trade deal

The White House tweeted a picture of the PM - dressed in a striking red-orange Amanda Wakeley dress - signing the visitors' book this evening.

CHURCHILL BUST TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE OVAL OFFICE Theresa May and Donald Trump admired a bust of Winston Churchill as they met in the Oval Office today. The US president has installed the replica of the wartime leader's face in a mark of respect. A Churchill bust first appeared in the famous office during George W Bush's administration, having been loaned as a personal gesture by Tony Blair. During Barack Obama's presidency it was replaced by a bust of the civil rights champion Martin Luther King Jr - although Mr Obama did have another sculpture of Churchill in his private residence. That latter bust is the one that has now been moved to pride of place below a portrait of founding father Thomas Jefferson. Advertisement

Earlier, she laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The PM took part in an emotional ceremony at the national monument in Virginia - where at least 15 British forces personnel are buried alongside American comrades - standing sombrely as the Last Post was played.

The site holds the remains of unidentified US troops from the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean conflict.

Dressed in black, the PM was greeted by troops representing all military units based in Washington, led by Major General Bradley Becker, commander of Joint Force Headquarters for the national capital region.

A cannon was fired 19 times as Mrs May's convoy arrived and made its way to the memorial, which stands on a small hill looking down over serried ranks of gravestones to the monuments of Washington a few miles away across the Potomac River.

After a military band played the national anthems of the UK and US, the premier mounted the steps to lay a wreath of red poppies, bowing her head in respect as a single trumpeter sounded the Last Post.

More than 400,000 US troops killed in conflicts from the Civil War to the ongoing War on Terror are laid to rest at Arlington.

Also at the site are a memorial to the victims of the Lockerbie terror attack and the grave of assassinated US president John F Kennedy.

The White House tweeted a picture of the PM - dressed in a striking red-orange dress - signing the visitors' book

The leaders greeted each other outside the White House this evening before he ushered her inside the building

The PM and the President confirmed their 'unshakeable' commitment to the relationship between the two nations

The premier had enjoyed a positive start to her visit, with Republicans lavishing praise on her address to their conference in Philadelphia.

After she laid into two decades of 'failed' liberal interventionist foreign policy, receiving three standing ovations, one congressman raved that she might be Mr Trump's 'long lost sister'.

FRENCH PRESIDENT HOPEFUL SLAMS MAY FOR PANDERING TO DONALD TRUMP Britain is becoming a 'vassal' to the US, a front-runner for the French presidency has complained. Emmanuel Macron delivered a stinging rebuke to Theresa May as he branded Donald Trump's first week in power 'worrying'. 'Britain lived in an equilibrium with Europe,' the independent candidate told France Culture radio. 'But now it is becoming a vassal state, meaning it is becoming the junior partner of the United State.' Polls have shown Mr Macron, a former investment banker, closing in on conservative contender Francois Fillon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Advertisement

House Speaker Paul Ryan posted a photo of himself with the PM on Twitter, saying it had been 'an honor' to welcome her.

'We had an excellent, wide-ranging discussion about strengthening the special relationship between our nations,' he added.

Sen Cory Gardner, of Colorado, said Mrs May had 'renewed the special relationship between our two great nations'.

The PM hosted a party at the British residence in Washington last night, where the guests included Secretary of Defense General James Mattis - known as 'Mad dog'.

Officially the UK cannot engage in formal negotiations on its own free trade deals with third countries while it remains a member of the EU.

But Mrs May told senior US politicians: 'I think there is much we can do in the interim in terms of looking at how we can remove some of the barriers to trade in a number of areas, so we are able to see an advantage to both of us even if we haven't been able to sign that legal free trade agreement.'

In the same speech, she ripped up two decades of 'failed' liberal interventionist foreign policy that has dragged Britain into a string of disastrous conflicts.

And in a decisive break with the Blair and Cameron eras, the Prime Minister said the days of the UK using military force to 'remake sovereign countries in our own image' were finished.

Speaking to a gathering of top Republicans, she laid out a new set of rules which will see the UK intervene only when the 'threat is real' and it is in our own interests.

The comments effectively bring an end to what have been dubbed 'wars of choice' and the so-called 'Chicago doctrine' established by Tony Blair.

Mrs May also warned Donald Trump to 'beware' Russian president Vladimir Putin and chose to evoke the memory of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher during the Cold War.

She said: 'When it comes to Russia, as so often it is wise to turn to the example of President Reagan who - during negotiations with his opposite number Mikhail Gorbachev - used to abide by the adage 'trust but verify'. With President Putin, my advice is to 'engage but beware'.

HAVEN'T WE SEEN THAT SOMEWHERE BEFORE? PM DONS RED POWER SUIT SHE WORE TO MEET PUTIN The PM chose the same red-orange dress she wore when meeting Vladimir Putin when she held talks with Donald Trump today. The Amanda Wakeley outfit seems to be the one Theresa May turns to when she has to meet the most powerful figures on the world stage. Advertisement

TRUMP HAILS SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP AS 'ONE OF THE GREAT FORCES FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE' 'I am honoured to have the Prime Minister here for our first official visit from a foreign leader. 'It is our first visit, so a great honour. 'The special relationship between our two countries has been one of the great forces in visor for justice and for peace and by the way, my mother was born in Scotland - Stornoway, which is serious Scotland. 'Today the United States renews our deep bond with Britain, from the military, financial, cultural and political - we have one of the great bonds and we pledge our lasting support to this most special relationship.' 'Together America and the Kingdom are abrasion for prosperity and the rule of law. 'That is why the US respects the sovereignty of the British people and their right of self determination. 'A free and independent Britain is a blessing to the world and our relationship has never been stronger. 'Both America and Britain understand that governments must be responsible to everyday working people, that governments must represent their own citizens. 'Madam PM, we look forward to working closely with you as we strengthen our mutual ties and commerce, business and foreign affairs. '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 - it's a really great pleasure.' Advertisement

WHAT THERESA MAY SAID AT THE CONFERENCE 'Thank you very much Mr President and can I start by saying that I'm so pleased that I've been able to be here today and thank you for inviting me so soon after your inauguration. 'I'm delighted to be able to congratulate you on what was a stunning election victory. '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. 'Today we're discussing a number of topics and there's much on which we agree. 'The President has mentioned foreign policy, we're discussing how we can work even more closely together in order to take on and defeat Daesh and the ideology of Islamist extremism wherever it's found. 'Our two nations are already leading efforts to face up to this challenge and we're making progress with Daesh losing territory and fighters, but we need to redouble our efforts. 'And today we're discussing how we can do this by deepening intelligence and security cooperation and critically by stepping up our efforts to counter Daesh in cyber space. 'Because we know we will not eradicate this threat until we defeat the ideology that lies behind it. 'On defence and security cooperation we're united in our recognition of Nato as the bulwark of our collective defence and today we have reaffirmed our unshakable commitment to this alliance. 'Mr President I think you said you confirmed that you're 100 per cent behind Nato. But we're also discussing the importance of Nato continuing to ensure it is as equipped to fight terrorism and cyber warfare as it is to fight more conventional forms of war. 'And I've agreed to continue my efforts to encourage my fellow European leaders to deliver on their commitments to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence so the burden is more fairly shared. 'It is only by investing properly in our defence that we can ensure we are properly equipped to face our share challenges together.' Advertisement

The Prime Minister said she was convinced a broad trade deal with the US was in the interests of both countries

PM was at the monument in Virginia, where at least 15 British forces personnel are buried, and stood sombrely as the Last Post was played

The Prime Minister dabbed at her nose amid freezing temperatures as she walked up to the monument in Arlington

The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown solider at the Arlington National Cemetery today before heading for talks with President Trump

In her speech to the Republican Retreat convention, Mrs May added: 'There is nothing inevitable about conflict between Russia and the West. And nothing unavoidable about retreating to the days of the Cold War. But we should engage with Russia from a position of strength.

'And we should build the relationships, systems and processes that make cooperation more likely than conflict – and that, particularly after the illegal annexation of Crimea, give assurance to Russia's neighbouring states that their security is not in question.

'We should not jeopardise the freedoms that President Reagan and Mrs Thatcher brought to Eastern Europe by accepting President Putin's claim that it is now in his sphere of influence.

'And progress on this issue would also help to secure another of this nation's priorities – to reduce Iran's malign influence in the Middle East.

'This is a priority for the UK too as we support our allies in the Gulf States to push back against Iran's aggressive efforts to build an arc of influence from Tehran through to the Mediterranean. '

Mrs May became the first world leader ever to address the Republican Retreat convention and will become the first foreign leader to meet President Donald Trump at the White House later

Mrs May said she wanted the UK and America to 'stand strong together' and the two countries must be 'smart and hard-headed', but only mentioned Trump by name once in her speech.

She said: 'It is in our interests – those of Britain and America together – to stand strong together to defend our values, our interests and the very ideas in which we believe. This cannot mean a return to the failed policies of the past.

'The days of Britain and America intervening in sovereign countries in an attempt to remake the world in our own image are over.

'But nor can we afford to stand idly by when the threat is real and when it is in our own interests to intervene.

'We must be strong, smart and hard-headed. And we must demonstrate the resolve necessary to stand up for our interests.'

The Prime Minister's comments will be seen as the final dismantling of the policy laid down by Tony Blair in his now infamous 1999 Chicago address, which sowed the seed of British involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

David Cameron continued the approach by intervening in Libya to help topple Colonel Gaddafi - a move which plunged the country into civil war and chaos. Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya are all still hotbeds for Islamic terrorism.

US Congressman Kevin Cramer, who was at the Republican Party gathering that Mrs May addressed, told the BBC: 'As I was watching her, and listening to her, I thought 'is this Donald Trump's long lost sister?'

'There was real similarities, while at the same time, clearly a different take on certain global issues.'

In her speech to the Republican Retreat convention May listed a string of shared challenges facing Britain and the US - including an aggressive Vladimir Putin and 'radical Islamists'

Britain could limit the intelligence it shares with America if Donald Trump brings back torture, Theresa May warns

Theresa May arrived in the US tonight, pictured in Philadelphia, amid a deepening row over torture after the US President said waterboarding 'absolutely works'

Britain could be forced to limit the intelligence it shares with the US on suspected terror plots if Donald Trump brings back torture, the Prime Minister warned today.

Theresa May said that she 'absolutely condemns' the use of torture - only hours after President Trump declared that water boarding and other harsh interrogation techniques 'work'.

When questioned about their differing styles before landing in Philadelphia, Mrs May told reporters: 'Haven't you ever noticed that sometimes opposites attract?'

The split threatens to create major tensions in the relationship between British spies and their US counterparts, which is currently rated the best in the world.

The UK's strict rules state that officials will not share intelligence with countries if it involves a serious risk of a detainee being tortured, or that is how the information was obtained.

In comments that triggered anger from human rights groups, President Trump this week threatened to revive some of the techniques used during a George W Bush's ill-fated 'war on terror'.

He said: 'I have spoken with people at the highest level of intelligence and I asked them the question 'Does it work? Does torture work?' and the answer was 'Yes, absolutely'.

Mrs May has been careful to find common ground with Mr Trump on issues such as trade and the Middle East.

But, speaking to reporters on a flight to the US to meet the President, she said Britain would be sticking to its guns on torture - and was prepared to deliver this message direct to the Trump administration.

The PM said: 'The UK Government's position on torture has not changed. We condemn torture and my view on that will not change whether I am talking to you or talking to the President.

'Our guidance is very clear about the position that the UK takes and our position has not changed.

MAY FLIES FASHION FLAG FOR BRITAIN Theresa May is flying the flag for British fashion during her historic visit to the United States. She has chosen a red two-piece by one of her favourite UK designers, Amanda Wakeley, and shoes by L.K. Bennett, to wear to the White House for talks in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. For her visit to the Republican Congressmen's Retreat in Philadelphia she wore a coat by up-and-coming British designer Daniel Blake, along with Russell & Bromley heels and a navy blue suit by Escada. Aides said that she was 'promoting British fashion to the world' and noted that, as usual, she had done her own make-up and hair. Advertisement

'We have a very clear view in the U.K. That we absolutely condemn the use of torture and that has not changed and will not change.'

The British guidelines on the use of torture were laid down by David Cameron in 2010 amid accusations the Tony Blair government had turned a blind eye to the ill treatment of detainees during his cosy relationship with President Bush.

They state that: 'When we work with countries whose practice raises questions about their compliance with international legal obligations, we ensure that our co-operation accords with our own international and domestic obligations. We take great care to assess whether there is a risk that a detainee will be subjected to mistreatment and consider whether it is possible to mitigate any such risk.

'In circumstances where, despite efforts to mitigate the risk, a serious risk of torture at the hands of a third party remains, our presumption would be that we will not proceed. In the case of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, this will cover a wide spectrum of conduct and different considerations and legal principles may apply depending on the circumstances and facts of each case. '

Police and prosecutors in Britain have made it clear they will pursue cases where there is evidence of British complicity in torture.

MI5 and MI6 both faced probes into the alleged conduct of unnamed officers in relation to the war on terror.

Ex-detainees have claimed that British officials were present when ill treatment took place. The taxpayer has been landed with a compensation bill running to tens of millions of pounds to settle claims brought by the terror suspects.

Some security experts have claimed the resumption of torture by the US would make intelligence sharing 'impossible'.

Ex-GCHQ official Matt Tait, said: 'Even laying aside the enormous domestic law and eighth amendment issues this brings up, this will make it impossible for UK intelligence cooperation with the Trump administration across a range of intelligence programs.'

Donald Trump, pictured arriving aboard Air Force One at Philadelphia International Airport today, used his first TV interview as President to re-assert his view that waterboarding 'absolutely works'