AKIPRESS.COM - Theresa May has said she looks forward to welcoming Donald Trump to the UK later this year after discussing his planned state visit on the phone.

Last month's invitation, coming so soon after the US President took office, has proved highly controversial, BBC reported.

Speaker John Bercow has said Mr Trump should not address Parliament during the trip in light of the row over his travel ban and comments about women.

And 1.8 million people have signed a petition against the state visit.

The petition, saying that the visit should be downgraded, will be debated by MPs next week alongside one backing the visit.

The government said it recognised the "strong views" expressed but looked forward to welcoming the US president once details have been arranged.

Mrs May spoke to the US president about the trip as part of their "regular engagement", Downing Street said.

"They discussed a range of issues, including trade and security and also discussed the president's upcoming state visit to the UK," a spokesman said.

"The prime minister said she looks forward to welcoming him later this year."