Protests expected when Erdogan visits Downing Street as red carpet state visit questioned

Mr Erdogan began his three day state visit on Sunday facing demonstrations which left a teenage boy injured as angry pro-Kurdish protesters tried to block the Turkish leader from entering a business event in Berkshire.

Opponents of Mr Erdogan claim Mrs May's interests lie in holding economic talks with the leader, who declared martial law on Turkey after a coup to remove him from power failed in 2016.

Amnesty International say more than 50,000 people still remain in pre-trial detention.

A similar number have been released on bail. Those detained include more than 100 journalists and nine Kursih Mps.

As well as meeting the Queen, Mr Erdogan is also set to discuss international issues with Mrs May such as the situation in Cyprus.

But critics have questioned why Mr Erdogan has been granted an audience with the Queen, in the middle of an election campaign in which is he seeking to tighten his grip over power. 

Last night barriers were already in place outside Downing Street, where Mrs May will host talks this evening.

The controversial leader faced widespread condemnation for purging his political opponents.

In April, Mr Erdogan called a snap general election to be held on June 24.

A referendum last year weakened the role of parliament and gave the president sweeping authority in the most radical constitutional overhaul since the republic was founded 95 years ago.

Downing Street insisted Mrs May will raise human rights issues during the talks, which are expected to be followed by a press conference.

An official spokesperson said: "Our close relationship with Turkey allows us to have frank discussions.

"You can expect the Prime Minister to raise human rights

"We have always been clear that we want Turkey to uphold its international obligations including respect for freedom of expression and political freedoms

"It is also an opportunity for the United Kingdom and Turkey to build on our close co-operation on counter-terrorism, migration, regional stability, trade and in other vital areas.

"They have a close working relationship and there are many areas of shared interest which they look forward to discussing."

Kurdish protesters clashed with police guarding Erdogan on Sunday.

A 17-year-old boy was “rugby tackled” outside the Wakefield Estate near Reading, Berkshire, during a confrontation with police, according to the Kurdistan Students Union, which arranged the protest.

Protesters said they were trying to block a convoy taking Mr Erdogan to a business event.

The teen was being treated for head and back injuries, according to a protester.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement the protest which turned violent was “facilitated by pro-Kurdish groups”.

It added: “Protesters attempted to block the passage of vehicles and police tactics were deployed to protect the protesters and keep the road clear for the vehicles.”

According to The Times. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable denounced the Turkish leader as having “an unacceptable disregard for liberal, democratic values.”

He said: “May’s administration appears to have substituted diplomacy for sycophancy in its pursuit of Brexit."