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Trump baby blimp given go-ahead by London Mayor

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given protesters permission to fly the "Trump baby" blimp

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan has given protesters permission to fly the "Trump baby" blimp Photo: Twitter

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will allow protesters to fly a blimp over parliament portraying Donald Trump as an orange, snarling baby during the US president’s upcoming visit.

Mr Trump, who arrives in a week’s time, will meet the Queen and Prime Minister Theresa May, who was the first foreign leader to visit Mr Khan after his inauguration last year.

Britain regards its close ties with the US, which it calls the special relationship, as a pillar of its foreign policy as it prepares to leave the European Union.

But some Britons see Mr Trump as crude, volatile and opposed to their values on a range of issues.

Mr Trump’s comments on militant attacks in Britain have sparked anger and he has often exchanged barbs on social media with the London mayor.

trump baby blimp

The six-metre-high blimp will take flight during Mr Trump’s visit next week. Photo: Crowdfunder

“The mayor supports the right to peaceful protest and understands that this can take many different forms,” a spokesman for Mr Khan said on Thursday.

“His city operations team have met with the organisers and have given them permission to use Parliament Square Garden as a grounding point for the blimp.”

The spokesman added, however, that the protesters would also need permission from the police and air traffic services to fly the six-metre balloon.

The protesters, who describe themselves as a group of anti-fascist art activists, said at first the mayor’s office did not recognise “Trump Baby” as a legitimate protest.

“But following a huge groundswell of public support for our plan, it looks like City Hall has rediscovered its sense of humour,” activist Leo Murray said in a statement.

“Trump Baby will fly!”

Trump baby blimp

Protesters are considering alternative locations in case the blimp isn’t allowed over Parliament Square. Photo: Crowdfunder

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