Nigel Evans, MP for the Ribble Valley, has written to Donald Trump, the President-Elect of the United States of America, to congratulate him on last week’s election victory over Hilary Clinton. Trump received 290 Electoral College votes, 20 more than the 270 votes needed to become President, and was declared the President-Elect.
In his letter to Donald Trump, Mr Evans congratulated the property tycoon, turned TV reality star, turned politician, along with the First Lady-Elect, Melania Trump, on last week’s result. He also reminded Mr Trump of their meeting in 2012 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.
At this meeting, Nigel and two others had dinner with Melania and Donald Trump where they discussed UK-US relations, the state of politics, and general world affairs. The letter was also an opportunity to discuss reinvigorating the special relationship between the US and the UK.
Nigel, who was recently elected as the Vice-Chair of the International Trade Select Committee, asked Mr Trump to seriously consider the mutual benefits of a quick trade deal with the UK, post-Brexit.
Speaking from Westminster, Nigel said:
“Regardless of what opinions we as individuals have about the President-elect, it must be accepted by all that Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States. It does not help to continue to rage against the US election machine; it is time for us to open a dialogue with President-elect Trump so that we can work together to the advantage of everyone. This is what I have done in my letter to Trump.”
Mr Evans also conveyed the strong links between the US and the Ribble Valley in his letter. BAE Systems’ factory in Samlesbury are currently working on the F35 fighter jet programme. This is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and other companies for the US Air Force. The links between the Ribble Valley and the United States are, therefore, important.
For this reason, Nigel Evans has invited the President Elect, Donald Trump, to visit the Ribble Valley to see first-hand the UK-US special relationship and also to discuss trade between the two countries.