Even for two nations intertwined in the ‘Special Relationship’, is seemed an oddly premature moment of intimacy.
As Donald Trump and Theresa May met for the first time this week the world was watching for signs of how well they were getting on.
And it seemed the pair had vaulted even the most optimistic expectations when they were photographed on Friday, walking hand-in-tiny-hand along the White House colonnade.
However since the awkward photo, Downing Street and Washington sources have been briefing that the manual union was in fact not a gesture of affection but due to the President’s bizarre phobia.
According to government sources, Trump has a fear of slopes and stairs and this has been mooted as the reason he reached out for Theresa May’s steadying grasp.
The leaders did traverse a slope in the colonnade, which is where they were photographed holding hands. The fear is a recognised condition called bathmophobia.
Downing Street officials appear to have been particularly keen to point out the handhold was not a sign of overfamiliarity between the leaders.
https://twitter.com/LiamLondon/status/825608536101101570
Yet the image has not helped Theresa May, who is already under fire for not condemning some of Trump’s more disturbing acts such as an executive order limiting immigration from several Muslim countries.
The ban has already seen people detained at US airports and an Oscar-nominated director refused entry to the US.
High-profile UK nationals are also likely to be caught up in the ban including Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah and one of Theresa May’s own MPs, Nadhim Zahawi.
I'm a British citizen & so proud to have been welcomed to this country. Sad to hear ill be banned from the USA based on my country of birth
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) January 28, 2017
Initially the Prime Minister refused to even comment on the ban, saying it was “a matter for the government of the United States”.
But after growing public criticism of her stance, she issued a statement last night saying she “does not agree” with Trump’s ban and would make representations to the US government on behalf of British nationals effected by it.
