TUC boss vows to lead protests if Donald Trump 'sets foot on UK soil'

General Secretary Frances O'Grady tells US President - 'You are not welcome here'

Picture: (AFP/Getty / Brenfdad Smialowski)

The leader of the trade unions congress has vowed to launch a wave of protests if President Donald Trump ever visits the UK.

TUC boss Frances O’Grady pledged to galvanise the movement’s 5.6 million members to demonstrate against the US President if he accepted Theresa May’s invitation of an official state visit.

The Prime Minister made the offer to Mr Trump soon after he took up office but the bid has attracted widespread condemnation and threats of protest.

Ms O’Grady, speaking to delegates at the TUC’s annual congress, said: "If Trump sets a foot on our soil the TUC will be proud to lead a peaceful protest," she said.

"Let us send a message - Donald Trump, you are not welcome here."

She also condemned the actions of “anti-semitic, women-hating, white supremacist thugs” in the United States following the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Activist Heather Heyer died when a car crashed into a group of anti-fascists demonstrating against a far-right rally.

President Trump attracted criticism in the aftermath of the clashes for his reluctance to condemn the white supremacists, who were protesting the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee.