As a petition to cancel Donald Trump’s state visit reached over 1,200,000 the London Mayor Sadiq Khan has stood by the protestors. Around 250,000 Londoners have signed this petition.
Donald Trump has come under fire for various executive orders since he became president, but banning refuges from seven mainly Muslim countries has angered people across the world, and led to chaos at many airports.
Muslim Mayor Khan said that Londoners will “not roll out red carpet” for Trump and will not be warmly welcomed by his office.
Khan said the UK should not be seen to endorse Trump’s refugee ban, and handing out a state invitation sends out the wrong signals to the world.
Writing in the Evening Standard he said: “That is why we must now rescind the offer of a full state visit for President Trump – until this ban is lifted.
“I don’t believe the people of London will support rolling out the red carpet until this happens. Great friends must warn each other when they are making a mistake.”
Trump is scheduled to visit these shores in July with wife Melania for a full VIP tour with banquets and a also speech to Parliament.
The Mayor also spoke to Sky News: “I am quite clear, this ban is cruel, this ban is shameful, while this ban is in place we should not be rolling out the red carpet for President Trump.
“I don’t think he should be coming on a state visit while the ban is in place, I couldn’t be clearer.”
He also said: “I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has now said she and the Government do not agree with President Trump’s policy, which will affect many British citizens who have dual nationality, including Londoners born in countries affected by the ban.