Donald Trump’s invitation to the UK has split the country, with rival petitions both in support of and against the new US president’s state visit to Great Britain.

It was also the subject of a fiery exchange between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition during question time in the House of Commons.

Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party questioned the prime minister on how strong her ties were with Trump.

“President Trump has torn up international agreements on refugees, he’s threatened to dump international agreements on climate change, he’s praised the use of torture, he’s incited hatred against Muslims, he’s directly attacked women’s rights. Just what more, does President Trump have to do before the Prime Minister will listen to the 1.8m people who have already called for his state visit invitation to be withdrawn?”

In answer to Corbyn, May replied:

“Would he have been able to lay the foundations of a trade deal? No. Would he have got a 100 percent commitment to NATO? No. That’s what Labour has to offer this country. Less protection for British citizens, less prosperous, less safe. He can lead a protest, I’m leading a country.”

May’s revival of the UK-US special relationship comes as the Britain leaves the EU, later on Wednesday MPs are expected to vote on whether to give the prime minister the power to trigger Brexit talks.