Trump UK visit: Last talks with Theresa May will be a lesson in fixing the ‘special relationship’

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump’s visit to the UK will be a test for Theresa May during her last days as prime minister – but it will also offer whoever steps into her shoes a view into how to deal with the US president. The London-Washington “special relationship” has certainly cooled with Trump in the White House, the major issue being that the president’s pushing of an “America First” agenda has pushed against the UK’s preference for international diplomacy and multilateral treaties. That will not stop, and the new PM may decide that in standing up to Trump in areas such as Middle East policy Britain can withstand some potentially embarrassing tweets from the president if it means not eroding the UK’s world standing. Trump will always want more from the “special relationship” but the UK must be sure not to tip the balance too far, as it could cost them opportunities with other allies.