MPs prepare to debate Trump visit to UK

As thousands of Britons prepare to demonstrate against US President Donald Trump's immigration policies, parliament will debate his forthcoming state visit.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan

In his victory speech Khan said that during his second term he would be focusing on "building bridges between the different communities" and between city hall a Source: AAP

The state visit by Donald Trump will be debated in the British parliament as protests take place across the UK against the US president.

MPs will consider Theresa May's decision to extend the invitation to the US president in a debate being held in response to petitions signed by millions of Britons.

Meanwhile demonstrations will take place across the country in support of migrants and protesting against Trump, while thousands are expected to gather for a rally outside parliament.

In Westminster Hall on Monday, MPs will debate a petition, signed by more than 1.85 million people calling for the visit to be stripped of the trappings of a state occasion to avoid causing "embarrassment" to the Queen.

They will also consider an alternative petition, backed by almost 312,000 signatories, demanding the state visit goes ahead.

In its official response to the petitions, the government stressed ministers believe "the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a state visit.

"We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised," the response said.

The Stop Trump coalition has called a nationwide day of action and dozens of protests have been co-ordinated by the One Day Without Us movement celebrating the contribution of immigrants to British society.

The rally in Parliament Square, which organisers claim will attract more than 20,000 people, will be addressed by speakers including joint Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and comic Shappi Khorsandi.

Calls for the state visit to be cancelled have been backed by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who hit out at the president's "cruel and shameful" policies.

Khan said the controversial tycoon's travel ban aimed at people from seven Muslim-majority countries, which has run into trouble in the US courts, and the suspension of refugee admissions were reasons not to be "rolling out the red carpet".

Khan, who is a Muslim, told ITV's Peston On Sunday: "I love America, I love Americans and I believe the special relationship is a good one and one that's here to stay.

"But when you're mates with somebody, when you've got a special relationship, of course you are side-by-side with them in times of adversity but when they are wrong you call them out."

He added: "I think this ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, ending the refugee program is cruel and it's shameful.

"In those circumstances we shouldn't be rolling out the red carpet."

May has been criticised for offering Mr Trump a state visit too soon in his already highly controversial presidency.

Barack Obama only received an invitation after 758 days, while it took 978 days before his predecessor, George W. Bush, was offered a state visit, compared with seven days for Trump.


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Source: AAP



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