Donald Trump inauguration: Theresa May 'won't be afraid' to challenge US President on comments about women
Updated
British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will not be afraid to tell Donald Trump when she finds something he has said unacceptable, as she prepares to meet the new US President in Washington this week.
Key points:
- Theresa May to meet with Donald Trump in Washington later in week
- Some comments Mr Trump has made about women "are unacceptable", Ms May said
- Ms May will use meeting to discuss trade, NATA defence alliance, terrorism
Ms May, who is Britain's second female leader, made the comments after millions of people gathered at women's marches around the world to protest about Mr Trump's attitude to women.
Following last year's vote to leave the European Union, the British Government has been keen to deepen ties with the United States and other nations outside Europe to show that Brexit will not diminish its standing in the world.
The meeting later in the week will be an opportunity for Ms May, who initially struggled to build relations with Mr Trump's team, to discuss what has long been called the "special relationship" between London and Washington, a pillar of British foreign policy.
But the visit may also be clouded by his perceived attitude towards women.
A 2005 video that surfaced at the end of last year showed Mr Trump boasting about grabbing women "by the p***y", which prompted the wave of mass protests on Saturday.
"I've already said that some of the comments that Donald Trump has made in relation to women are unacceptable, some of those he himself has apologised for," Ms May told the BBC.
"When I sit down [with Mr Trump] I think the biggest statement that will be made about the role of women is the fact that I will be there as a female prime minister.
"Whenever there is something that I find unacceptable I won't be afraid to say that to Donald Trump."
Ms May is trying to improve relations with Mr Trump after he irritated the British Government soon after being elected by saying Nigel Farage, an outspoken anti-EU campaigner and critic of Ms May, would be a good choice for Britain's ambassador to Washington.
She said she would use the meeting to discuss the future trading relationship between the United States and Britain, as well as the NATO defence alliance and challenges such as defeating terrorism.
Mr Trump, who has told European media the UK's decision to leave the EU will "end up being a great thing", has said he wants to arrange a swift bilateral trade deal with Britain.
Reuters
Topics: government-and-politics, world-politics, united-kingdom, united-states
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