PM to have secretive catch-up with Donald Trump during Scotland golfing holiday
Keir Starmer will meet Donald Trump when he holidays in Scotland later this month, it has been confirmed.
The unpredictable US President is expected to jet in to try out a new golf course at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. No10 said the PM has accepted an invite to see him while he is in the UK.
Bizarrely, because it is a private trip rather than a state visit, no officials are expected to be present, despite the possibility they will talk about government business. This means there will be no record of what the two discuss.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The White House has confirmed that President Trump will be making a private visit to Scotland later this month. Given he is visiting a private capacity, there will not be a formal bilateral but the Prime Minister is pleased to take up the president's invite to meet during his stay."
The new 18-hole course, owned by Mr Trump, is named the MacLeod course after his mum Mary MacLeod, who was Scottish. Police in Scotland have called on the Government to help with the "considerable" cost of protecting the divisive President.
Police Scotland have said they will seek Government help with the "considerable" costs of the Trump visit, after it emerged last week that the force was in the early stages of planning for a visit.
There is yet to be a final confirmation of a date for any visit, however, last week it was not possible to book a room at Mr Trump's club in Turnberry, South Ayrshire between July 24 and July 28 and at his Aberdeenshire club around the same time.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond said: "Planning is under way for a potential visit to Scotland later this month by the President of the United States. While official confirmation has not yet been made, it is important that we prepare in advance for what would be a significant policing operation."
The holiday north of the border will come ahead of an official state visit which Buckingham Palace has confirmed between September 17 and 19. Mr Trump will be hosted by the King and Queen at Windsor Castle and accompanied by his wife, Melania Trump.
But he is not set to address Parliament, as it will not be sitting because of the party conference season. French President Emmanuel Macron did address MPs and peers when he had a state visit last week.
Asked for the PM's view on the president addressing Parliament, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is focused on welcoming President Trump to the UK for an historic second state visit and building on the excellent relationship they've had that's been delivering for working people.
"The dates of the visit are for President Trump and the Palace (...) details around the programme will be announced in due course."
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