Donald Trump's Marine One presidential helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing on its journey from Chequers to London's Stansted airport. the president and first lady Melania Trump were aboard the helicopter as the first leg of their journey back to the United States when the pilot had to make the landing.

"Due to a minor hydraulic issue, and out of an abundance of caution, the pilots landed at a local airfield before reaching Stansted airport," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. "The president and first lady safely boarded the support helicopter." Trump arrived approximately 20 minutes behind schedule, although the White House provided no reason for the delay prior to take off.

Speaking during a huddle with reporters shortly after takeoff, Trump had joked that he hoped they all made it home safely aboard Air Force One.

He joked: "Fly safely. You know why I say that? Because I'm on the flight,

"Otherwise I wouldn't care."

The journey via helicopter came after the US President hosted a press conference alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in which the two countries announced a new tech deal that they say will help the US and UK “dominate” in the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

Trump, who was making a historic second state visit said: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”

He pointed out the US is “leading China and the world by a lot” on AI.

The amiable press conference concluded a successful visit for both leaders, passing with little controversy, although the two did admit that they had differing views on the situation in Gaza.

Asked by journalists about the timing of his plan for recognition, Starmer said: “On the question of recognition, I made my position clear at the end of July, so the timing, it’s got nothing to do with this state visit.

“I’ve discussed it with the president, as you would expect, amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other, and want to bring about a better solution in the best way that we can.”

Mr Trump described the October 7 attacks on Israel as “one of the worst days in the history of humanity” when asked whether he would call on Benjamin Netanyahu to end his ground offensive in Gaza.

The US President insisted he wanted to see the hostages returned, and not in a “piecemeal” fashion.

Pressed whether he would then call for an end to the war if this condition was met, Mr Trump said: “Well, it would certainly help. But I have to have the hostages back.”