Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state, flies into London for talks with Boris & Theresa May
US SECRETARY of state Rex Tillerson has flown into London for talks with Boris Johnson on a “packed” whistle-stop visit.
Rex Tillerson speaks with Boris Johnson about UK US relations
The Foreign Secretary and his American counterpart discussed a range of international issues, including the on-going crisis in Yemen.
Donald Trump cancelled a visit to the UK to open the new American embassy, criticising its move from Grosvenor Square in the Mayfair district of central London to an “off location” at Nine Elms, south of the Thames.
But Mr Tillerson has said he is hoping to visit the cube-shaped 12 storey glass building.
Mr Johnson is packing the agenda for his visit, “but I hope to get by the embassy”, he said.
Mr Trump's decision to cancel a visit to London will allow Theresa May to focus on Brexit, Mr Tillerson has suggested.
Rex Tillerson held a meeting with Boris Johnson to discuss issues including Yemen
Mr Tillerson is visiting London on a European tour which will include stop-offs in Paris and Warsaw
Britain needs to focus on Brexit negotiations right now, and I think the president realises that's where Prime Minister May really needs to focus her attention
He told reporters last week: “President Trump was supportive of the UK's exit from the EU.
“He still thinks that was the right decision for them.
“Britain needs to focus on those Brexit negotiations right now, which is really important to them, and I think the president realises that's where Prime Minister May really needs to focus her attention, working through the negotiation around the exit.”
Mr Tillerson is visiting in London on a European tour that includes stop-offs in Paris, Warsaw and the World Economic Forum meeting at Davos.
Number 10 says that on the visit he met Prime Minister Theresa May.