Theresa May yesterday told Donald Trump that she "looks forward" to his state visit later this year as she formally rejected a petition signed by nearly 2 million people calling for it to be abandoned.

The Prime Minister discussed a "range of issues" during a phone call with Mr President Trump including security and the prospect of a post-Brexit trade deal.

It came as ministers formally rejected a petition demanding that the state visit should be cancelled because it would "embarrass" the Queen.