Trump promises May 'very substantial' trade deal after Brexit

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Europe

00:46

U.S. President Donald Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit as he met Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday for fraught talks held amid street protests.

He joked to the outgoing British leader that she should "stick around" and reach a much stronger economic alliance with the United States once her country finally leaves the European Union (EU).

"I think we will have a very, very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers.

"We're going to get it done."

U.S. President Donald Trump attends a business round-table discussion at St James's Palace during his state visit in London, Britain, June 4, 2019. /VCG Photo

Trump also ignored his past criticism of May's Brexit strategy and congratulated her on doing "a fantastic job" since taking office weeks after Britain voted in June 2016 to strike its own course after more than 40 years.

Ahead of talks between May and Trump as part of the U.S. leader's state visit to Britain, spokeswoman of the prime minister said they would discuss issues including climate change, and that a future trade deal after Brexit would be a "significant focus."

May will make clear to Trump that Britain is reviewing "the right policy" on Chinese company Huawei and its involvement in the UK's 5G telecommunications network, the spokeswoman added.

(With input from AFP, Reuters)

(Cover: British Prime Minister Theresa May (2nd L) and her husband Philip May (L) welcome U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd R) and First Lady Melania Trump to Downing Street during the second day of his state visit in London, Britain, June 4, 2019. /VCG Photo)