MAY DEFENDS TRUMP AFTER HE DECLINES FORMAL MEETING AT G7 SUMMIT

MAY DEFENDS TRUMP AFTER HE DECLINES FORMAL MEETING AT G7 SUMMIT

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He described the gathering of the Western economic powers as a “distraction” – ahead of his summit with North Korea next week – despite the growing fears of a disastrous global trade war. However, speaking to reporters before landing in Quebec, Ms May insisted Mr Trump did make a positive contribution at international summits, pointing to his willingness to tackle online terrorist propaganda.

She urged critics to “look at President Trump at the last G7”, adding: “Crucially, one of the issues we agreed on was taking down terrorist material online from the internet. “It was important that America was sitting around that table and agreed that with us. We have been able to take action with companies in America as a result.” Ms May added: “What we are seeing with President Trump is what we hope is a very positive step forward in relation to North Korea.”

Theresa May defended Donald Trump after he declined a face-to-face meeting with her at the G7 summit and cut short his visit amid fury over his steel tariffs. The prime minister also urged fellow EU leaders to step back from harsh tit-for-tat reprisals – planned for next month – against the US, calling for their response to be “proportionate”.

No bilateral meeting with Mr Trump is scheduled for the two-day summit in Canada, with the US president arriving late and expected to leave early.

                                     
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