Theresa May today challenged Donald Trump to bring forward new proposals to broker peace in the Middle East as they finally had their showdown call over his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Downing Street revealed the call has taken place – the first time the two leaders have talked since the beginning of November.
The delay had sparked speculation that the US president was snubbing Mrs May’s attempts to make contact after their spat over his retweets of far-right group Britain first and declaration on Jerusalem.
A Downing Street spokesman said the two leaders spoke about Mr Trump’s controversial decision during a call this afternoon.
Theresa May has finally spoken to Donald Trump (pictured together in May) about his controversial decision to move the US Israeli embassy to Jerusalem almost two weeks after announcing a call
It emerged last week Mr Trump is likely to finally visit the UK for the first time as President in February to officially open the new American embassy
He said: ‘They discussed the different positions we took on the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, and agreed on the importance of the US bringing forward new proposals for peace and the international community supporting these efforts.
‘The Prime Minister also raised Yemen, highlighting our ongoing deep concerns at the humanitarian situation.
‘They agreed on the vital importance of reopening humanitarian and commercial access to prevent famine and alleviate the suffering of innocent Yemenis.
‘The Prime Minister updated the President on the recent good progress of the Brexit negotiations, and the President set out the progress he had made on his economic agenda. They agreed on the importance of a swift post-Brexit bilateral trade deal.
‘They wished each other a very Merry Christmas and looked forward to keeping in close touch.’
Mrs May has sent Mr Trump a Christmas card – but No10 has refused to say whether she has received one in reply.
The premier took the unusual step of revealing plans to call Mr Trump during Prime Minister’s Questions on December 6, at the height of criticism of the President’s decision on Israel.
Her announcement came just days after Mr Trump sparked huge diplomatic row by re-tweeting videos from the far right Britain First Group.
Her spokesman was challenged on when the call would take place at a Westminster briefing yesterday.
Asked if the failure to schedule a call was a snub, the spokesman said: ‘I would not see it like that at all.
‘We will let you know when they have spoken.’
At PMQs a day before after the controversial decision, Mrs May said: ‘I’m intending to speak to President Trump about this matter.
‘Our position has not changed, it has been a long standing one and it is also a very clear one.
‘It is that the status of Jerusalem should be determined in a negotiated settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and Jerusalem should ultimately form a shared capital between the Israeli and Palestinian states.’
It emerged last week Mr Trump is likely to finally visit the UK for the first time as President in February to officially open the new American embassy.
The trip will be met with a storm of protests and comes ahead of a planned state visit which has been repeatedly postponed.