Donald Trump and Theresa May awkwardly hold hands AGAIN... as the red carpet is rolled out at Blenheim Palace

Fiona Simpson13 July 2018

Donald Trump and Theresa May were pictured again awkwardly holding hands as the UK laid on a spectacle of British pageantry for the US President at Blenheim Palace.

Mrs May appeared to grasp Mr Trump’s hand as the pair entered a black tie dinner marking the first night of the US President’s four-day visit.

The pair were also pictured arm in arm as the President led the Prime Minister towards the prestigious Oxfordshire stately home.

First lady Melania and Mrs May’s husband Philip joined the pomp as a red carpet was rolled out for the US President’s first official UK visit.

Donald Trump and Theresa May awkwardly hold hands AGAIN
REUTERS

Protesters gathered outside of the magnificent 18th century house.

Melania and Donald Trump join Philip and Theresa May at Blenheim Palace
AFP/Getty Images

Mrs May used the lavish welcome dinner to press her case for an ambitious new trade deal with the US after Brexit.

Critics of the Prime Minister's proposals for future relations with the EU claim that her willingness to align with Brussels rules on agricultural produce will block a US deal, as Washington is certain to insist on the inclusion of GM crops and hormone-enhanced beef, which are banned in Europe.

But addressing the US president in front of an audience of business leaders at Winston Churchill's birthplace, Mrs May insisted that Brexit provides an opportunity for an "unprecedented" agreement to boost jobs and growth.

Donald Trump leads Theresa May up the steps of Blenheim Palace
AFP/Getty Images

Noting that more than one million Americans already work for British-owned firms, she told Mr Trump: "As we prepare to leave the European Union, we have an unprecedented opportunity to do more.

"It's an opportunity to reach a free trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States.

"It's also an opportunity to tear down the bureaucratic barriers that frustrate business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

The red carpet was rolled out for the President
EPA

"And it's an opportunity to shape the future of the world through co-operation in advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence."

The Trumps arrived from London by Marine One helicopter before being driven in the armoured presidential limousine, nicknamed The Beast, to the opulent 18th century palace near Woodstock.

The couples were treated to a spectacular display of pomp and pageantry
PA

Built for the Duke of Marlborough in recognition of his military victories and named a Unesco World Heritage Site, Blenheim is one of a series of historic architectural gems Mr Trump will visit on a four-day trip which keeps him well away from protesters in central London.

His arrival was marked by a military ceremony, with bandsmen of the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards playing the Liberty Fanfare, Amazing Grace and the National Emblem.

Donald Trump arrives for his first official visit to the UK

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Leaders of the financial services, travel, creative, food, engineering, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and defence sectors were among around 100 guests who dined on Scottish salmon, English Hereford beef fillet and strawberries with clotted cream ice-cream.

Mrs May told him: "Mr President, Sir Winston Churchill once said that 'to have the United States at our side was, to me, the greatest joy'.

"The spirit of friendship and co-operation between our countries, our leaders and our people, that most special of relationships, has a long and proud history.

"Now, for the benefit of all our people, let us work together to build a more prosperous future."

Mrs May said that the history, language, values and culture shared by the UK and US "inspire mutual respect" and make the two nations "not just the closest of allies, but the dearest of friends".

In an apparent plea to the president to remember his allies when he meets Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in Monday, she noted that Britain and America work closely together in the interests of their shared security, "whether through targeting Daesh terrorists or standing up to Russian aggression".

She also highlighted the importance of trans-Atlantic business links to a president who has sometimes seemed more interested in forging new links with former adversaries around the world, rather than nurturing long-standing partnerships.

Britain and the US are the largest investors in each other's economies, with over a trillion dollars of investments between then, said Mrs May.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Blenheim Palace
Getty Images

British firms represented at the Blenheim banquet alone employ more than 250,000 people in the US, she said.

Mrs May was joined at Blenheim by ministers including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Business Secretary Greg Clark, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and her effective deputy David Lidington.

Boris Johnson missed out on a seat at the table by resigning as foreign secretary on Monday in protest at Mrs May's Brexit policy, though Mr Trump has said he might try to speak to him during his visit.

Theresa May hosted a lavish dinner for Donald Trump at Blenheim Palace
PA

The Countess of Wessex's Orchestra played British and American hits of the 20th century during dinner.

And Mr Trump, whose mother was Scottish, was piped out by the Royal Regiment of Scotland as he and Melania left to spend the night at the US ambassador's residence in London's Regent's Park.

Outside the palace gates, several hundred protesters waved banners and placards reading Dump Trump, Not Welcome Here, Protect children Not Trump and Keep Your Tiny Hands Off My Pussy!

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