Ben Houchen issues update on Trump visit to Teesside

The president was extended an ‘unprecedented’ second state visit in a letter from King Charles which was handed over by Sir Keir Starmer last week.

It was a move that drew criticism almost immediately, which heightened after a spat between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Oval Office, which was roundly admonished by European leaders.

It led to calls by some politicians, including the SNP, to cancel the state visit – something the PM dismissed as criticism from “keyboard warriors”.

Now, the only Tory mayor in the country has reinstated his desire to invite Trump to Teesside.

(Image: PA / Carl Court) A spokesperson for the Tees Valley Mayor said: “The Mayor has written previously to President Trump, and like the Prime Minister values the extraordinary relationship between the US and Britain.

“Though he doesn’t agree on all policy matters, the mayor looks forward to the President’s visit and for any opportunity to strengthen our region’s ties with our strongest ally.”

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In November, it was reported that Lord Houchen had written to Trump’s team inviting the election winner to Teesside, a region the mayor said was “at the coalface of the real economy.”

“We are enacting the same principles you are in the ‘Rust Belt’ states,” Lord Houchen said in a letter seen by the Sun on Sunday at the time.

“Please know that you have many admirers here and we hope this term brings even greater success and opportunity for the American people and the special relationship between our great nations.”