
President Donald Trump's decision to forgo a visit to London to open a new U.S. embassy kindled doubts about his justification for staying away - even from his own nation's diplomats.
The embassy said Friday that the old building "had aged beyond its ability to be improved to current security and life safety standards without extensive investment in infrastructure that would require appropriated dollars".
In 2008, when George W. Bush was president, the United States signed a conditional agreement to acquire a site for the construction of a new embassy in the Nine Elms area of Wandsworth, southwest London.
Asked about the PM's views on south London after the president described the embassy's new site as an "off location", the Number 10 spokesman said: "I think Vauxhall is a vibrant and important part of London and home to many businesses".
The current ambassador, Robert "Woody" Johnson, said the change was necessary even though the US had been linked to Grosvenor Square for more than 200 years.
Johnson, a Trump appointee, also said the new embassy was entirely paid for by the sale of other London properties and "did not cost the USA taxpayer a cent".
Under domestic pressure, British Prime Minister Theresa May said Trump's re-tweeting was wrong, triggering the latter's retort demanding her not to focus on him, but on anti-terrorism efforts in her own nation.
But a full-blown state visit replete with golden carriages and pomp has been deferred amid the threat of huge anti-Trump protests. In December, Johnson said he was looking forward to welcoming the president.
More news: In 'The Post,' Spielberg, Streep and Hanks deliverEarlier this week, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had rejected suggestions that now was not the time for a state visit.
The snub, reported by the Daily Mail, would be the second blow to Mr Trump and the UK's relationship.
MPs have repeatedly called for the offer of a state visit for the US President to be withdrawn following his crackdown on immigration from majority-Muslim countries and promotion of far-right group Britain First on Twitter.
Trump's cancellation was met with humour on social media, with parodies of the president's tweet trending on Twitter.
Many Londoners have made it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here while he is pursuing such a divisive agenda.
David Lammy, a Labour party lawmaker, believed Trump was shaken by the prospect of being " met by millions of us out on the streets protesting". But Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson blamed Khan and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn for discouraging the USA leader from coming.
"It seems he's finally got that message", Khan tweeted. "We will not allow US-UK relations to be endangered by some puffed-up, pompous popinjay in City Hall".
Related News:
-
Chelsea Manning 'files to run for Senate in Maryland'
Manning would be challenging Senior Senator Ben Cardin , a Democrat who has held the seat since 2007, in the state's primary. Manning continued, "And I struggled with that, but the intention was very much like, 'This is about improving the country".Trump Rips 'Sneaky' Sen. Feinstein for Releasing Full Trump-Russia Dossier Testimony
Simpson said he was dubious about Steele's plan to tell the Federal Bureau of Investigation it was a national security issue. Shortly after, Feinstein released the transcript. "So, you know, that tells you something about somebody".Watch the AFC Divisional Playoffs LIVE on News 3
The Titans were down 21-3 to the Kansas City Chiefs last Saturday before storming back for a 22-21 victory at Arrowhead Stadium. Gronkowski's contribution was huge the 2014 and '15 postseasons, totaling 31 receptions for 431 yards and six touchdowns. -
Queen Elizabeth Says Wearing A Crown Has One Significant Downside
It weighs almost 3 pounds, and Queen Elizabeth II jokes that you can't look down while wearing it or your neck might break. The horses couldn't possibly go any faster. "The only word I can come up with is medicinal, like cough syrup", she said.LaVar Ball may have spoken Luke Walton's hot seat into existence
Nance finished the night with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in 30 active minutes. And coaches from Rick Carlisle to Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich all came to Walton's defense.Oil Prices Spike Amid Extremely Large API Crude Oil Draw (USO)
Analysts said that could have been the result of extreme cold temperatures across the United States. The price for Brent crude oil , the global benchmark, was up 0.44 percent at 9:20 a.m. -
You can stream the Winter Olympics in VR on nearly any device
A medal haul of between four and 10 is projected at the Winter Olympics, which starts in South Korea on 9 February. There is also a hope that figure skaters Nick Buckland and Penny Coomes can challenge for a medal after injuries.Exam shows Trump in 'excellent health': White House
Trump takes a statin to control cholesterol, baby aspirin to prevent heart attacks and Propecia to treat male-pattern baldness. After a physical during the 2016 campaign, a statement from his doctor said the 6-foot-3 NY businessman weighed 236 pounds.Sam's Club Locations in Dover, Salisbury Spared From Mass Closings
The retail giant Walmart is shutting the doors to 63 Sam's Club locations across the U.S. The company said it "made the hard decision to close our Worcester Sam's Club location". -
Stoke manager target confirms he will stay at Espanyol
Football brings up these kind of situations where clubs ask. here at Espanyol it is hard to move someone. "We feel happy. The Potters sacked Mark Hughes last Saturday with the club in the Premier League relegation zone.Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino praises inspirational Aaron Lennon
According to a report by Daily Mirror , Tottenham have taken the first steps to secure the long-term future of Dele Alli . "It's about how I believe and try to make things happen".Dark Souls Remastered announced for PC with improvements
In terms of resolution, Dark Souls: Remastered will offer native 4K resolution at 60 fps. The box set is slated to release the same day as Dark Souls: Remastered on May 24, 2018.