Theresa May has been praised for securing a strategic state visit from US President Donald Trump which the Prime Minister could exploit to snatch a “better” Brexit withdrawal agreement from the European Union. Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday Mr Trump will travel to the UK on a three-day visit in June during which he will also attend private talks with Mrs May. Business expert Hilary Fordwich suggested the Prime Minister may be able to use the prospect of a “massive trade agreement” with the US as a threat to force Brussels to cave on their Brexit stance. 

Speaking to RT America, Ms Forwich said: “There’s a time when push comes to shove, the special relationship does remain because what most of the Remainers in the UK are learning, is that – look at the way the EU is behaving towards the UK.

“They’re certainly not the friend of the UK. Although, ironically, Angela Merkel has been.

“It’s such a tough time economically, in terms of the dire predictions, that a massive trade agreement with the US would put the EU on their back foot.”

The British Government and Brussels have not formally agreed on a withdrawal deal due to MPs’ refusals to back Mrs May’s proposal over fears the UK could be locked into the customs union and single market indefinitely. 

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But the prospect of missing out on the potential trade benefits of a deal between the United Kingdom and the US may ultimately force Brussels’ hand, according to Ms Fordhich.

She continued: “They’d have to offer a better deal and, if not, just leave with no deal.

“Either way the UK will win and it’s finally the Queen pulling out the straw out of the hat which is ‘let’s have the Americans come in again’.”

The White House insisted the state visit would reaffirm the “steadfast and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.”

Theresa May had promised President Trump a state visit shortly after his election in 2016 but was forced to downgrade the invitation to a working trip due to for mass protests against the US President. 

President Trump and wife Melania will be guests of the Queen and will attend a commemorative ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth. 

Royal correspondents have however warned the American President will not be allowed to reside at Buckingham Palace due to extensive renovation works.

ITV’s royal correspondent Chris Ship wrote on Twitter: “Donald and Melania Trump will NOT be staying at Buckingham Palace. Whilst the State Banquet will happen there as usual – the redevelopment work means there is no space for guests – even @Potus.”

The Sun’s political editor also confirmed the claims and said: “But I’m told Trump won’t be put up in Buckingham Palace (unlike other visiting heads of state), because of the renovation work. Clarence House/St James’s Palace equally too small to host him and his huge entourage. Suspect this will peeve him.”

Mr Trump is also expected to travel to Normandy, France on June 6 to take part in the 75th anniversary of the D-day landings.

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