President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump will go to Britain on a state visit in 2018, Sky News quoted senior government sources as saying on Tuesday, quashing expectations that the U.S. leader would make the trip this year.

Prime Minister Theresa May had invited Trump to Britain in January during their first meeting in Washington, when the two leaders hailed the beginning of a new “special relationship” between the countries.

The government had initially said the visit would take place later this year, but media has reported the trip could be postponed for various reasons ranging from fears over protests to May’s weakened authority after an ill-judged election gamble.

Asked about the Sky report, May’s spokesman repeated the government’s position that an invitation had been made and accepted, adding that no specific date had been set for the visit. (Reuters/NAN)