PM Theresa May’s words ahead of the US President’s state visit.

PM Theresa May’s words ahead of the US President’s state visit.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s State Banquet at Buckingham Palace – the first to be hosted for a US President since 2011 – Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“This is a significant week for the special relationship and an opportunity to further strengthen our already close partnership.

“During his State Visit to the UK the President and I will be taking part in an historic commemoration of the D-Day landings and the sacrifice our armed forces made 75 years ago.

“And as we reflect on our shared history and honour those who fought so bravely on the beaches of Normandy, we also look to the future.

“Our relationship has underpinned our countries’ security and prosperity for many years – and will continue to do so for generations to come.

“We do more together than any other nations in the world. We are the largest investors in each other’s economies and our strong trading relationship and close business links create jobs, opportunities and wealth for our citizens.

“Our security relationship too is deeper, broader and more advanced than with anyone else. Through joint military operations, unrivalled intelligence-sharing and our commitment to NATO, our global leadership remains at the heart of international peace and stability.

“So I look forward to welcoming President Trump to the UK and to building on the strong and enduring ties between our countries.”

Statement by Prime Minister Theresa May and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of the Republic of Ireland.

Statement by Prime Minister Theresa May and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of the Republic of Ireland.

“In our statement of 26 April, we announced a new phase of political talks in Northern Ireland.

“The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley and the Tánaiste Simon Coveney have updated us on progress since then.

“We welcome the constructive engagement shown by all parties to date. It is clear to us that the Northern Ireland political parties wish to see the institutions of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement restored, but operating on a more credible and sustainable basis. While broad consensus has been reached on some issues, other areas remain to be resolved.

“The Secretary of State and Tánaiste believe that there is a genuine but narrow window of opportunity to reach agreement in the immediate period ahead and that it is essential to continue and intensify talks to this end.

“As Prime Minister and Taoiseach, we will continue to monitor this progress closely. We believe it is imperative that the parties now move without delay to engaging substantively on the shape of a final agreement.”