The Prime Minister has told Donald Trump she is looking forward to welcoming him to the UK, despite a 1.8-million strong petition against the visit.

Downing Street issued a statement late on Tuesday after Theresa May spoke to the US President on the phone as part of their "regular engagement".

A No 10 spokesman said: "They discussed a range of issues including trade and security and also discussed the President's upcoming state visit to the UK.

"The Prime Minister said she looks forward to welcoming him later this year."

Image: People took to the streets of London to protest against Donald Trump's travel ban

The petition, which says a state visit would "cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen", has gained traction in recent weeks..


Protests against the US President intensified after Mr Trump sought to impose a travel ban against citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets of London.

A Foreign Office statement said the Government recognises the "strong views" expressed by the petition, but does not support it.

It said the invitation, extended by Mrs May during her trip to Washington last month, "reflects the importance of the relationship" between the two countries.

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The Government "believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit", the statement said.

"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised".

The petition is due to be discussed in Parliament next Monday, and the Stop Trump campaign group has already called protest rallies around the country to mark the debate.

No date has been set for Mr Trump's visit, but the planned trip has already sparked controversy over whether the President should be allowed to address Parliament.

Image: Theresa May was the first foreign leader to visit Mr Trump at the White House

Commons Speaker John Bercow has been caught up in the row for saying that he was "strongly opposed" to an address by Mr Trump in Westminster Hall.

Mrs May visited the White House in January to become the first foreign leader to meet with Mr Trump since his inauguration, as the PM sought to rekindle the "special relationship" between London and Washington.

Both leaders posed with the bust of Winston Churchill in the Oval Office, and at one point, walking along the White House colonnade, held hands while descending some steps.

During the visit, Mrs May extended the state visit invitation to the UK on behalf of the Queen.

But the PM has been criticised for offering Mr Trump such a visit so soon into his already highly controversial presidency.