Farage to meet President-elect Trump and ask him to make UK 'number one global priority'

Nigel Farage, the interim leader of the UK Independence Party, is expected to meet with Donald Trump on Saturday (12 November) for the first time since Trump was elected US president. Farage campaigned for Trump on numerous occasions during the run-up to the election and has vowed to be an unofficial "diplomat" between America and the UK.

He is to meet President-elect Trump in New York, and confirmed to the Telegraph that he is willing to help forge new links between the two countries.

"If I am called," Farage said, "of course I will help – I am interested in doing the best for the country.

"If it is Liam Fox, David Davis and the Prime Minister herself, or even an underling, I will do what I can to help for the good of Great Britain."

It follows the Government's flat denial that Farage will have any involvement in relations between the US and the UK after it was rumoured that Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, will contact him to ask for advice on how to approach Trump's inner circle.

In a statement, a number 10 spokesman said: "Dr Fox has no plans to talk to Mr Farage."

The meeting between the two right-wing "outsiders" also follows Farage's comments on Wednesday (9 November) where he joked about telling Trump not to sexually assault Theresa May when they first met.

In a radio interview with James Whale, where Farage discusses his meeting with Trump, he said: "I will be encouraging him [to make] the United Kingdom his number one global priority.

"Because, after all, you know, we are cousins really, aren't we? I mean, quarrelsome at times, but you know, we fought together in two world wars.

"We've done a lot of good for the world and I want him to make us his priority. So I'm now going to become a diplomat. I'm going to say, 'Come and schmooze Theresa. Don't touch her, for goodness sake!'"

Whale, of TalkRADIO, responded: "Well, listen, if he does, only in an affectionate way."

Despite criticism for these comments, some senior Conservatives welcomed the meeting between Farage and Trump.

Sir Gerald Howarth, a former defence minister, said: "I personally see no reason why not. Farage clearly struck a chord with Trump and Trump struck a chord with him. He has been on our side in the Brexit campaign, on the winning side, so his judgement was correct on that.

"I just do not think in the current climate you should forego any opportunity – if Farage can access parts that we can't reach, then fine."