Theresa May says she can work with Donald Trump because ‘opposites attract’

Theresa May - Image credit: Michael Kappeler/DPA/PA Images

Theresa May today insisted she will be able to build a strong working relationship with Donald Trump because “opposites attract”.

The Prime Minister was speaking as she prepares to be the first world leader to have face-to-face talks with the new president.

Some have questioned whether the famously reserved Prime Minister will be able to enjoy a rapport with the brash and outspoken billionaire.

But asked about the apparent clash in personalities on her trans-Atlantic flight to the United States, May said: “Haven’t you ever noticed that sometimes opposites attract?”

She said she will use the White House talks “to build on the special relationship” between Britain and America.

Among the topics they will discuss is the future of the NATO alliance, which President Trump has previously said is “obsolete”.

But the Prime Minister said: “I think that special relationship between the UK and the US has been an important part of security across the world, particularly for the West.

“At the heart of that is NATO – we’re committed to NATO, from the conversations I’ve already had with President Trump over the phone, he’s committed to NATO as well and I believe a strong NATO has been the bulwark of the defence of Europe.”

She added: “I’m sure we will discuss a whole range of other issues as well, including our trading relationship, counter-terrorism, and I will be able to talk directly to him and learn directly from him what his views are.

“I’m sure that I will leave with a very clear picture. I will give him a very clear picture of the UK, but also I believe that what will come out of this is a very clear determination on both sides not just to maintain the special relationship but to build on the special relationship for the future.

“I think there is a real role for the UK and the US working together.”

May also rejected suggestions that she was trying to be too close to President Trump, who is widely disliked in the UK and around the world.

She said: “Donald Trump was elected president of the United States of America.

“The United Kingdom and the United States of America have shared interests, shared challenges that we can work together to deal with.

“We have a special relationship, it’s a long-standing relationship. It’s existed through many different Prime Ministers and presidents. I want to build on that relationship.

“I believe from the conversations I’ve already had with Donald Trump he does too.

“I believe there is a role for the UK and the US working together that we can play in stand up for our shared interests and our shared values.”