Donald Trump has expressed full-throated support for the Brexit referendum victory during a visit to Ayrshire in Scotland.
The presumptive Republican nominee for the US presidency said there were parallels with the US and elsewhere. “People do not necessarily want people pouring over their borders,” he said.
“The UK will be stronger for it. They have taken their independence back. They can block anyone coming in they do not think is appropriate.”
He said the outcome had reflected the will of the people. “We will embrace it,” he said.
He had landed by helicopter on the front lawn of his Trump Turnberry golf resort shortly after 9am on Friday, and immediately told reporters: “The UK had taken back control. It is a great thing.”
Trump then held a press conference against the dramatic backdrop of Turnberry’s ninth hole, on a promontory overlooking the sea.
Coverage of him speaking in the UK in the midst of its biggest crisis in decades could play well on television in the US. After an especially bad few weeks for his campaign, he is trailing his likely opponent Hillary Clinton in the polls and fundraising.
He stepped down on to the lawn to the sound of two pipers in full Highland regalia against the backdrop of the saltire, one of the biggest in Scotland, fluttering over the golf course.
The UK visit, Trump’s only overseas trip since he launched his White House bid, was set up primarily with business in mind, to cut a ribbon formally opening the renovated hotel.