Donald Trump Muslim ban: London Mayor Sadiq Khan slams travel ban as 'shameful and cruel'

Francesca Gillett30 January 2017

Sadiq Khan has condemned Donald Trump’s ban on people from certain countries entering the United States as “shameful and cruel”.

The Mayor of London released a statement on Sunday slamming the president’s controversial policy which blocks entry to refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.

President Trump’s executive order banned Syrian refugees indefinitely and included a 90-day block on travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia coming into the US.

But Mr Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, said the new policy “flies in the face of the values of freedom”.

He said: “President Trump's ban on refugees and immigrants from certain countries is shameful and cruel.

Theresa May met with Donald Trump last week. 
AP

“The USA has a proud history of welcoming and resettling refugees. The President can't just turn his back on this global crisis - all countries need to play their part.

“While every country has the right to set its own immigration policies, this new policy flies in the face of the values of freedom and tolerance that the USA was built upon.”

Late on Saturday night Downing Street announced the PM Theresa May “does not agree” with President Trump’s divisive ban.

Mr Khan 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.

“I will work with the government on behalf of Londoners affected.

“As a nation that, like the USA, values tolerance, diversity and freedom, we cannot just shrug our shoulders and say: 'It's not our problem'.”

Protest: People angry at Donald Trump's travel ban came out in force at JFK Airport.
REUTERS

Mr Khan’s comments come as mass demonstrations broke out across the US in protest at the anti-immigration policy.

Political commentator Owen Jones has organised a London protest on Monday evening outside Downing Street.

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