ADVERTISEMENT

British Prime Minister says Trump visit still on despite terror tweets

May has insisted a long-awaited state visit by Donald Trump will go ahead as planned despite a diplomatic spat triggered by the US president's comments.

Speaking to ABC News from Downing Street in an interview that aired Sunday, she added that London was in talks with internet giants Google and Facebook about "doing more" to assist authorities in tracking extremists using the web to plan attacks, an issue she said she would take up at the UN General Assembly next week.

After an explosion in the London subway early Friday injured more than 20 people, Trump on Twitter blamed "sick and demented people who were in the sights of Scotland Yard."

Britons expressed outrage at the president's suggestion that British authorities had advance knowledge about the attackers. May herself told journalists Friday that "I never think it's helpful for anybody to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation."

ADVERTISEMENT

Trump's keenness to underline a series of attacks in Britain has led to repeated outcry across the Atlantic that has helped indefinitely delay his much-vaunted state visit.

But in her ABC interview, May made clear the planned visit is still on.

"Her Majesty the Queen issued the invitation," she said. "The president has accepted it. It's just a question of getting dates to -- and sorting out the logistics."

May said the point of the historic "special relationship" between the two countries was that "when we do disagree we're able to say so -- and pretty bluntly."

As an example, she cited the sharp differences over the Paris climate change agreement. "I've made very clear I was dismayed when America decided to pull out of that," she said, adding that she hoped the US administration would be "able to find a way for America to come back into the agreement."

ADVERTISEMENT

After reports that some European officials believed the US might return to the agreement, the White House said Saturday that it would do so only if it could negotiate more favorable terms.

May also emphasized the need to block terrorists from using the internet for planning attacks and "for the spread of extremism, of hatred, of propaganda."

She said British authorities were working with internet giants like Facebook and Google "about doing more."

Those companies and others, including YouTube and Twitter, have formed a Global Internet Forum to Combat Terrorism, working with governments and other groups.

Asked, if she agreed with a tweet from Trump urging a tougher travel ban to curb terrorism, May said, "I think what is important is that we're able to have the powers to look into people, to identify people who may be wanting to cause us harm." And then to act accordingly.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Tinubu endorses 3 frameworks to educate Nigeria's out-of-school children

Tinubu endorses 3 frameworks to educate Nigeria's out-of-school children

Anxiety as APC confirms Ganduje's chairmanship status

Anxiety as APC confirms Ganduje's chairmanship status

Mysterious illness kills 8 people in Sokoto - no one can explain why

Mysterious illness kills 8 people in Sokoto - no one can explain why

Child labour problem in Nigeria worst in Southeast, Northwest

Child labour problem in Nigeria worst in Southeast, Northwest

Over 600,000 Nigerians are being forced to work against their will

Over 600,000 Nigerians are being forced to work against their will

Gov Mbah plans befitting burial for Nollywood stars Mr Ibu, Junior Pope

Gov Mbah plans befitting burial for Nollywood stars Mr Ibu, Junior Pope

Tinubu made naira world’s best, what PDP failed to do in 16 years - Onanuga

Tinubu made naira world’s best, what PDP failed to do in 16 years - Onanuga

8 suspects disrupt inauguration of appointed commissioners at Kano Govt House

8 suspects disrupt inauguration of appointed commissioners at Kano Govt House

Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him

Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT