Trump gets involved in Brexit amid London protests

Donald Trump believes Britain should "get rid of the shackles" of European Union membership and proceed with Brexit.

And if it can do so swiftly, then it can expect a trade deal with the US.

The White House issued a statement saying that Trump supports Brexit “being accomplished in a way that will not affect global economic and financial stability while also securing independence to the United Kingdom.”

After arriving on Monday for a three-day state visit, Trump and his wife Melania attended a banquet at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening.

Trump will meet PM Theresa May on Tuesday and will also meet Boris Johnson, whom he has already suggested should be May’s replacement when she resigns on Friday.

The two leaders will start the day hosting a business breakfast with US and UK firms in order to highlight the alleged benefits of a post-Brexit bilateral free trade deal.

The prime minister is expected to say: “It is a great partnership, but one I believe we can make greater still. With a bilateral free trade agreement, with broader economic cooperation and by continuing to work together to underpin, shape and influence the global economy and its rules and institutions – keeping markets free, fair and open, and keeping our industries competitive.”

Regarding the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, Trump said he supports Nigel Farage taking over the Brexit negotiations and campaigning for a no-deal Brexit.

He said it was a “mistake” not to involve Brexit Party leader Farage in negotiations, claiming he has a “lot to offer” and is someone he likes “a lot”.

Trump suggested the UK should “walk away” from talks and not pay the £39bn divorce bill if its requests are not met.

Trump is also likely to demand that May’s successor ban China’s Huawei from 5G networks.

“We’ve been clear: Our ask is that our allies and our partners and our friends don’t do anything that would endanger our shared security interests or restrict our ability to share sensitive information,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said regarding the ban on Huawei.

Boris Johnson, who was leading in the race to move into Downing Street, declined to say whether he would rethink May’s Huawei policy but is expected to lean towards the US.

Trump's state visit has been met by large groups of London protesters and the giant inflatable Trump baby blimp will be flying outside the British parliament on Tuesday.

In central London, tens of thousands of protesters were expected to take part in a “Carnival of Resistance” later in the day to voice their opposition to the president.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party, is also supporting the protests against the US President and is expected to speak at the "Carnival of Resistance". Corbyn had already snubbed Monday night’s banquet at Buckingham Palace and said it was an“opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he’s attacked in America, around the world and in our own country”.