Donald Trump also repeated his previously declared view  that accusations made by Turkey that the Protestant church leader has no links to espionage and terrorism are false.

Speaking to MSNBC from the White House, he said: “You know, we have pastor Brunson, a wonderful Christian pastor and he’s right now in Turkey.

“He’s been there a long time and they say he’s a spy but he’s not a spy. We’re all going to work – and we’ve been working – for his release.”

Mr Trump addressed reporters during a meeting with the US Mormon missionary Joshua Holt who was unexpectedly released by Venezuela at the weekend, having spent two years in jail over claims he was spying for the CIA.

First detained in October 2016, Andrew Brunson (pictured below with his wife, Norine) was accused by Turkish officials of harbouring links with Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish preacher they blame for a failed coup in the country in July 2016.

Supporters claim there is “no evidence” to support claims made against Mr Brunson. They have described him as a political prisoner being held as a bargaining chip by Turkey as it seeks the extradition of Mr Gülen from the US.

Referring to Mr Brunson, the Donald Trump continued: “He’s having a hard time, there’s a trial going on but the trial is not so much of a trial.

“We’re talking to the folks in Turkey about doing…

The Service of Commemoration at 3pm on Sunday 3rd June will also be open to survivors of the vehicle-ramming and stabbing, and members of the emergency services who tended to casualties.

In a statement, the Diocese of Southwark said: “At the end of the service, the Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Christopher Chessun will bless an olive tree: ‘The Tree of Healing’ as a permanent memorial to those who died.

“This will be planted using compost made from flowers left on London Bridge after the attack.”

Eight people were killed and 48 others were injured on Saturday 3rd June 2017 when a van driven ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge.

Three men then got out the vehicle and launched a knife attack in the nearby Borough Market. The men – thought to have been inspired by Islamic State to carry out their attack – were later shot dead by police.

Visitors to Southwark Cathedral on the anniversary date will be invited to light a candle in remembrance of the attack or attend an 11am Eucharist service.

In the evening, the landmark will host an Iftar – a religious service where observers of Ramadan break their fast together – including testimonies from those who were affected physically and mentally by the attack.

The statement continued: “Later in the day, Southwark Cathedral will host its second Grand Iftar which, this year, will…

Ian Paisley spoke after scores of MPs – including Government ministers – signalled their support for liberalising legislation, following an historic referendum in Ireland on the issue.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) representative for North Antrim also said: “The settled will of the people has been to afford protections to the unborn life and protect the life of the mother.”

Sixty-six-per-cent of voters in the Republic of Ireland on Friday backed the repeal of an amendment to the constitution which outlaws abortion in all but exceptional circumstances.

While she congratulated the Irish people on their decision, the Prime Minister found herself under renewed pressure to ensure abortion laws in Northern Ireland were more in keeping with legislation governing the rest of the UK.

Labour MP Stella Creasy said more than 140 parliamentarians had expressed support for a legislative intervention by Westminster, given the absence of a devolved government at Stormont since January last year.

The minister for women and equalities Penny Mordaunt said the Irish abortion vote represented a “historic and great day for Ireland” and a “hopeful one for Northern Ireland”. She added: “That hope must be met.”

But the Prime Minister’s fragile administration relies on support from ten DUP MPs who strongly oppose reform.

Stay up to date…

Commissioner Brian Peddle will officially assume the position in August, when he will succeed the current incumbent André Cox.

The Canadian told Premier the new role was “quite exciting on some fronts [but] among other fronts it’s quite intimidating”.

He explained: “To lead an international denomination that has also a significant social response footprint in 128 countries – that poses its own challenges.”

A meeting of The Salvation Army’s High Council elected Commissioner Peddle to become the movement’s 21st General during a summit in west London last week.

Setting out his plans for the Salvation Army, he said: “We need to continue to open ourselves to expansion in places and countries where we are not yet [present].

“We need to proclaim the Gospel clearly to the world.”

Commissioner Peddle is currently Chief of Staff for The Salvation Army’s international headquarters in central London.

News of my election as General Elect of the International Salvation Army on 24 May has been responded to with congratulations & best wishes from so many. I am deeply honoured by the privilege that will be mine and the out pouring of support received. God bless the Salvation Army

— Brian Peddle (@bpeddle) May 27, 2018

He was formerly Chief Secretary for the movement in the UK and Ireland, before becoming the Territorial Commander in Canada and Bermuda in 2011.

Worldwide, The…