Scott Morrison visits London: PM flies into political storm

In his first visit to London as Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has arrived amid political drama to join D-Day celebrations with the Queen and US President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has arrived in London to join in D-Day celebrations with the Queen and US President Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet Mrs May while in London, as she prepares to step down as leader of the ruling Conservative Party later this week.

Mr Morrison is due to meet British economic and security officials in London later tonight.

What you missed in Trump’s meeting with the Queen

Trump’s ham-fisted royal handshake

Prime Minister Scott Morrison lands at Farnborough airport in England with wife Jenny. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

Scott Morrison and Jenny were greeted by George Brandis, QC High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and British diplomat Kathryn Colvin. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

He will also address the Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce, underlining the Coalition’s commitment to the economic partnership with Britain, and plans to progress a free trade deal once Brexit is resolved.

On Wednesday, Mr Morrison will represent Australia at the 75th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wife Jenny arrive at Farnborough Airport. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

The Queen, Prince Charles and Prime Minister Theresa May are hosting representatives from every country that fought alongside the UK in the Battle of Normandy for what is expected to be one of the biggest British military spectacles in recent years.

#USStateVisit🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/8eN2bvtLLU

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2019

Mr Trump, on the final day of his state visit, will be joined in Portsmouth by Mr Morrison, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Donald Trump with the Queen at the state banquet. Picture: Getty

Mr Trump remains locked in a trade battle with China and has publicly questioned Britain’s plans to allow Chinese company Huawei limited access to building its 5G network. It is expected Mr Trump will raise that in meetings with Mrs May last night.

He has been staying at the US Ambassador’s residence Winfield House in London’s Regent’s Park because there are extensive renovations going on at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen held a State Banquet for Mr Trump yesterday at Buckingham Palace followed by a private lunch, and then afternoon tea at Clarence House with Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

US President Donald Trump and the Queen make a toast during the lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Picture: Getty

At the banquet, the Queen gave a nod to Mr Trump’s Scottish heritage and in a toast to Mr Trump, highlighted the defence and economic ties between the two countries.

“Of course, it is not only our security which unites us but our strong cultural links and shared heritage,” she said.

“And with your own Scottish ancestry, Mr President, you too have a particular connection to this country.”

Mr Trump, in reply, read a carefully worded speech that praised the Queen and the soldiers who fought alongside the Americans in the D-Day invasion that turned World War II.

“Your Majesty, Melania and I are profoundly honoured to be your guests for this historic state visit,” he said.

“Thank you for your warm welcome, for this beautiful weather, your gracious hospitality, and Your Majesty’s nearly seven decades of treasured friendship with the United States of America.

Donald Trump with the Queen, Melania, Prince Charles and Camilla. Picture: AP

The Duchess of Cambridge and United States Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin arrive through the East Gallery ahead of the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AP

“This week, we commemorate a mighty endeavour of righteous nations and one of the greatest undertakings in all of history.”

Mr Trump praised the courage of the British people during the Second World War and called the Queen a “great, great woman”.

“In that dark hour, the people of this nation showed the world what it means to be British,” he said.

Mr Trump also made a poignant visit to Westminster Abbey, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior during their visit to Westminster Abbey. Picture: Getty

The President called Westminster Abbey a “special place” in the Distinguished Visitors’ Book, after marvelling at the age of the church, consecrated in 1269.

“Thank you so much. This has been a great honour. Special place,” he wrote.

Mr Trump said that the first day of his UK trip was going well, as he signalled that he wanted to strike a free trade deal once Brexit was finalised.

“London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong. Tremendous crowds of well wishers and people that love our Country,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Haven’t seen any protests yet, but I’m sure the Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once UK gets rid of the shackles.”

The Queen’s official gifts to Mr Trump were an abridged first edition of The Second World War by Winston Churchill from 1959.

The crimson book features gold-tooled decoration on the cover, spine and inner cover, an EIIR cipher in gold on the front, silk endpapers and hand-sewn headbands in colours of the US flag with all pages edged in gilt.

The monarch also gave Mr Trump a three-piece Duofold pen set — a fountain pen, rollerball pen and ballpoint pen with EIIR cipher — exclusively made for the Queen.