President Donald Trump would like a quick trade deal with Britain once Brexit is finished, the U.S. ambassador to Britain said on Friday ahead of a presidential visit to London next week that will keep Trump largely away from planned mass protests.
Trump arrives in Britain on Thursday after a NATO summit in Belgium that could turn contentious over the U.S. leader’s insistence that allies pay more for their defense and amid trade disputes between Washington and Europe.
U.S. Ambassador to Britain Woody Johnson painted trade as a potential bright spot in the strong “special relationship” between Britain and the United States, which he said Trump intended to strengthen.
“He would love to do a bilateral trade deal and he is really ready to step up on that the minute we get the go ahead to do it,” Johnson said, adding that U.S. government agencies were already looking at how to put a deal together.
Less of a bright spot for Trump, whose mother hailed from Scotland, will be the protesters awaiting him in London. More than 50,000 people have signed up to demonstrate against Trump’s perceived racism, sexism, and his treatment of migrants. A counter-gathering to welcome him is also planned.
The president will steer clear of the demonstrations.
Protesters are planning to fly a blimp over parliament portraying Trump as an orange, snarling baby during his visit after Khan approved a request for its use.
