US President Donald Trump has said he believes Britain can have a “very very substantial trade deal” with the US after it leaves the EU.
Mr Trump was speaking as he and Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a meeting with business leaders on the second day of his state visit to the UK.
It comes as protests are planned in several UK cities, including a demonstration in Trafalgar Square.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to address protesters at the London rally.
The breakfast meeting of British and American business leaders at St James’s Palace was held in a bid to boost trade links.
The Duke of York, Chancellor Phillip Hammond, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the president’s daughter Ivanka Trump also attended.
On Monday, Mr Trump praised the “eternal friendship” between the UK and US during a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen said the countries were celebrating an alliance which had ensured the “safety and prosperity of both our peoples for decades”.
Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax Media and a confidant of the president, told Radio 4’s Today programme he and the rest of Mr Trump’s friends and family were “so impressed” with the palace banquet.
“This is a president that loves brands – and the Queen has the greatest brand in the world,” Mr Ruddy said. “He recognises her importance for America, for the West, how she’s unified Britain for all of these years.”
Mr Ruddy laughed off questions about protesters who believe Mr Trump is racist. He said the president was “super inclusive” and that the allegations were “personal attacks”.
