International :Donald Trump heads for UK - protests, baby balloon, security & Queen

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9.51am update: The Trump baby balloon has been inflated ahead of the visit today

Activists inflated a giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an orange baby in north London this morning ahead of a demonstration in London to coincide with the visit of the US president.

The giant inflatable "Baby Trump" balloon will be flown near the Houses of Parliament ahead of the protest.

A barrage of nationwide protests will greet US President Donald Trump's four-day trip to Britain from Thursday, with organisers hoping to stage one of the country's biggest demonstrations in decades following a series of diplomatic spats. 

9.20am update: Trump's schedule for Thursday, July 12

- Mr Trump will arrive at Stansted airport on Thursday at around lunchtime, fresh from the Nato summit in Brussels.

- Mr Trump and First Lady Melania will have a meet and greet at the US Embassy in London.

Mr Trump cancelled a planned visit to open the newly-relocated embassy at the beginning of the year, saying it was a "bad deal" to move from Grosvenor Square in the prestigious Mayfair district of central London to what he described as an "off location" at Nine Elms, south of the Thames.

- The couple will attend a black-tie dinner at the Grade I-listed Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire hosted by Theresa May.

Other guests are set to include leaders from business sectors, celebrating the business links between the UK and US.

- Mr Trump and his wife will spend Thursday night at Winfield House in Regent's Park, which is the US Ambassador's residence in London.

9.00am update: Trump visit could boost Britain with trade deal - as President slams the UK

Donald Trump chided Germany and other European nations for failing to spend enough on defence, at the recent NATO summit.

But British Prime Minister Theresa May is hoping his trip will boost the close ties between their two nations and help in forging a future free trade deal.

"There is no stronger alliance than that of our special relationship with the U.S. and there will be no alliance more important in the years ahead," May said in a statement.

Trump's trip coincides with a tumultuous week for May when two senior ministers resigned in protest at her plans for trade with the European Union after Britain leaves next March.

The president has already waded into the debate, saying Britain was "in somewhat turmoil" and that it was up to the people if she stayed in power.