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US travel ban: petition against Trump UK visit passes one million signature mark – live US travel ban: petition against Trump UK visit passes one million signature mark – live
(35 minutes later)
11.43am GMT
11:43
Martin Ford, the councillor who sparked a year long planning battle in 2008 over Donald Trump’s first Scottish golf course in Aberdeenshire, has signed the petition against the US president’s state visit, writes Severin Carrell.
Then a Liberal Democrat councillor who chaired the area’s neighbourhood committee, Ford used his casting vote to block Trump’s proposals for a £1bn golf resort because it ruined rare and environmentally protected dunes and breached the local plan. The committee’s rejection split the council. Scottish ministers, supported by the then first minister and local MSP Alex Salmond, ordered a public inquiry which pushed the plan through.
Now a Scottish Green party councillor, Ford said; “The petition makes the point that since, unbelievably, Mr Trump is now the President of the United States, the UK will have to deal with him and admit him to this country in that capacity. However, we don’t have to give him the honour of an official state visit and meeting the Queen, and we clearly shouldn’t.
“Mr Trump is a deeply unpleasant individual with abhorrent views. So while we can’t ignore Mr Trump, the UK must do nothing that suggests support or approval of his behaviour.”
The UK Parliament petitions website shows lukewarm support for the petition in the surrounding Commons constituency of Gordon, where Salmond is the MP, with only 1.35% support.
11.38am GMT
11:38
Iraq’s parliament has voted to “retaliate” against the travel ban, according to snap from Reuters.
Baghdad Invest says Iraq has banned US citizens from travelling to Iraq for 90 days.
Iraq has said that once USA lifts the travel ban on citizens of Iraq travelling to the United States of America, it would do the same.
11.33am GMT
11:33
Peter Walker has asked the Foreign Office to clarify the advice to dual nationals about travelling to the US.
This runs contrary to FCO advice - which says dual nationals •will• be allowed in if not travelling from one of the seven countries. pic.twitter.com/GkAEQXp5Qz
I've asked the Foreign Office to explain the seeming contradiction.
11.30am GMT
11:30
The European Union is analysing Trump’s ban to see if it would affect Europeans, a spokesman for the bloc’s executive said, Reuters reports.
European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news conference that the bloc was getting “conflicting input” on whether the ban would affect EU citizens with dual nationality from the countries affected.
Asked about Trump’s move, he said that the EU itself did not discriminate among people arriving on the grounds of race, nationality or religion.
11.28am GMT
11:28
US embassy in the UK suspends visa issuance to nationals and dual nationals
So much for that apparent commitment to Boris Johnson about dual nationals in the UK.
The US embassy in the UK has repeated that warning, made in Berlin, about visa issuance.
Per US Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification.
If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time.
If you already have an appointment scheduled, please DO NOT ATTEND your appointment as we will not be able to proceed with your visa interview. Please note that certain travel for official governmental purposes, related to official business at or on behalf of designated international organizations, on behalf of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or by certain officials is not subject to this suspension.
11.20am GMT
11:20
Former shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, now chair of the home affairs select committee, has backed calls for an emergency debate on Trump’s travel ban.
I'm supporting this call for emergency debate on Trump ban on refugees & Muslims. What US is doing is v dangerous & we need to speak out https://t.co/EjcvKxFwJD
Updated
at 11.20am GMT
11.17am GMT
11:17
US embassy in Berlin suspends visa issuances to seven countries
The US embassy in Berlin has said that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals, or dual nationals, of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
In an update on its Facebook page, the embassy said:
“Per US Presidential Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification.”
“If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time.”
11.13am GMT
11:13
Workers from companies such as Facebook and Google have no idea when they’ll next see their family, as startup founders say their companies are at risk, writes Olivia Solon in San Francisco
11.07am GMT11.07am GMT
11:0711:07
Congress should move to impeach Trump over this growing crisis, argues Trevor Timm.Congress should move to impeach Trump over this growing crisis, argues Trevor Timm.
No matter your political views, the fact that the White House is attempting to circumvent legal advice, install dubious appointees to incredible powerful national security positions and violate court orders is outrageous and despicable, so let’s be clear: Congress needs to quickly move towards impeachment if this is true.No matter your political views, the fact that the White House is attempting to circumvent legal advice, install dubious appointees to incredible powerful national security positions and violate court orders is outrageous and despicable, so let’s be clear: Congress needs to quickly move towards impeachment if this is true.
11.01am GMT11.01am GMT
11:0111:01
Stephanie KirchgaessnerStephanie Kirchgaessner
In the US, a handful of powerful Catholic cardinals have spoken forcefully against Trump’s executive order, writes Stephanie Kirchgaessner.In the US, a handful of powerful Catholic cardinals have spoken forcefully against Trump’s executive order, writes Stephanie Kirchgaessner.
Joe Tobin, the newly installed cardinal in Newark, New Jersey, even appeared to suggest that Donald Trump was a con man after criticising the proposed building of a border wall as “not rational” and “inhuman”.Joe Tobin, the newly installed cardinal in Newark, New Jersey, even appeared to suggest that Donald Trump was a con man after criticising the proposed building of a border wall as “not rational” and “inhuman”.
On Twitter Tobin wrote: “A fearful nation talks about building walls and is vulnerable to con men. We must challenge the fear before we are led into darkness”.On Twitter Tobin wrote: “A fearful nation talks about building walls and is vulnerable to con men. We must challenge the fear before we are led into darkness”.
Another cardinal, Blasé Cupich of Chicago, said the weekend had been a “dark moment in US history”. He said the implementation of Trump’s order to halt migrants and refugees had been “rushed, chaotic, cruel, and oblivious to the realities that will produce enduring security for the US”.Another cardinal, Blasé Cupich of Chicago, said the weekend had been a “dark moment in US history”. He said the implementation of Trump’s order to halt migrants and refugees had been “rushed, chaotic, cruel, and oblivious to the realities that will produce enduring security for the US”.
Cupich added: “The world is watching as we abandon our commitments to American values. These actions give aid and comfort to those who would destroy our way of life. They lower our estimation in the eyes of the many peoples who want to know America as a defender of human rights and religious liberty, not a nation that targets religious populations and then shuts its doors on them.”Cupich added: “The world is watching as we abandon our commitments to American values. These actions give aid and comfort to those who would destroy our way of life. They lower our estimation in the eyes of the many peoples who want to know America as a defender of human rights and religious liberty, not a nation that targets religious populations and then shuts its doors on them.”
But there was one notable voice of support for Trump. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia, the leading conservative in the US Catholic hierarchy who was recently passed over for a promotion by Pope Francis, called on the University of Notre Dame to honour Trump with an honourary degree this spring.But there was one notable voice of support for Trump. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia, the leading conservative in the US Catholic hierarchy who was recently passed over for a promotion by Pope Francis, called on the University of Notre Dame to honour Trump with an honourary degree this spring.
In a statement on Friday, Chaput decried the intense opposition to Trump and hailed the Republican president’s opposition to abortion rights.In a statement on Friday, Chaput decried the intense opposition to Trump and hailed the Republican president’s opposition to abortion rights.
10.58am GMT10.58am GMT
10:5810:58
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has added its voice to growing international condemnation of the travel ban.The Board of Deputies of British Jews has added its voice to growing international condemnation of the travel ban.
Jonathan Arkush, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “Bans based on national origin are indiscriminate and unjust. They would be unlawful in UK law. While we all understand the need to properly check those who enter our countries, this needs to be balanced with compassion towards the plight of those fleeing for their lives.”Jonathan Arkush, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “Bans based on national origin are indiscriminate and unjust. They would be unlawful in UK law. While we all understand the need to properly check those who enter our countries, this needs to be balanced with compassion towards the plight of those fleeing for their lives.”
Arkush added: “This is a dismaying beginning to a new US Administration. Good government needs cool, rational judgments delivered professionally, not hasty policy-making on the hoof. All those who respect and admire the USA’s commitment to freedom will call on President Trump to review this misconceived executive order.”Arkush added: “This is a dismaying beginning to a new US Administration. Good government needs cool, rational judgments delivered professionally, not hasty policy-making on the hoof. All those who respect and admire the USA’s commitment to freedom will call on President Trump to review this misconceived executive order.”
10.53am GMT10.53am GMT
10:5310:53
Here’s video of protesters ralling in some of the United States’ largest airports in anger over president Trump’s travel ban. Demonstrations have taken place in several cities after the US president imposed a freeze on refugee admissions and banned travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.Here’s video of protesters ralling in some of the United States’ largest airports in anger over president Trump’s travel ban. Demonstrations have taken place in several cities after the US president imposed a freeze on refugee admissions and banned travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.
10.52am GMT10.52am GMT
10:5210:52
Here’s a summary of how things currently stand.Here’s a summary of how things currently stand.
Donald Trump’s plans to prevent people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the US have caused confusion, protests and a series of legal actions at entry ports across the US.Donald Trump’s plans to prevent people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the US have caused confusion, protests and a series of legal actions at entry ports across the US.
Downing Street has insisted that Trump’s state visit to the UK will go ahead despite widespread criticism of the invite including from several former ministers. A Downing Street source said: “To scrap the visit would undo everything following Mrs May’s visit. America is a huge and important ally we have to think long term.”Downing Street has insisted that Trump’s state visit to the UK will go ahead despite widespread criticism of the invite including from several former ministers. A Downing Street source said: “To scrap the visit would undo everything following Mrs May’s visit. America is a huge and important ally we have to think long term.”
More than a million people have signed a petition calling for the visit to be cancelled. The Commons is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to debate the visit.More than a million people have signed a petition calling for the visit to be cancelled. The Commons is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to debate the visit.
Foreign secretary Boris Johnson is due to update the Commons on US travel ban.Foreign secretary Boris Johnson is due to update the Commons on US travel ban.
Labour has accused Theresa May of “appeasing” Trump by refusing to withdraw the state visit invitation. Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general, said: “The world is in a very precarious situation at the moment and we will not make this world safer or fairer by appeasing bullies like Mr Trump.”Labour has accused Theresa May of “appeasing” Trump by refusing to withdraw the state visit invitation. Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general, said: “The world is in a very precarious situation at the moment and we will not make this world safer or fairer by appeasing bullies like Mr Trump.”
The White House has defended the policy as a “massive success” and Trump himself has denied it is a ban on Muslims.The White House has defended the policy as a “massive success” and Trump himself has denied it is a ban on Muslims.
Thousands took to the streets in major cities and converged on airports to protest the executive orders. Protests blocked the main road outside the international terminal at Los Angeles international airport late on Sunday night.Thousands took to the streets in major cities and converged on airports to protest the executive orders. Protests blocked the main road outside the international terminal at Los Angeles international airport late on Sunday night.
Several people are reported still detained at LA airport, scene of legal challenges to the ban. An Iranian man with a valid visa is on his way back to the US after a federal court injunction stayed his removal back to Dubai from LA.Several people are reported still detained at LA airport, scene of legal challenges to the ban. An Iranian man with a valid visa is on his way back to the US after a federal court injunction stayed his removal back to Dubai from LA.
Indonesia, a Muslim nation not covered by the ban, said the policy could hurt the global fight against terror.Indonesia, a Muslim nation not covered by the ban, said the policy could hurt the global fight against terror.
The Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, said the travel orders were a “dark moment” in US history and contrary to American values.The Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, said the travel orders were a “dark moment” in US history and contrary to American values.
Financial markets in Asia fell amid the confusion surrounding the orders and amid ongoing concern that Trump will pursue protectionist trade policies. Markets were set to fall in Europe on the opening.Financial markets in Asia fell amid the confusion surrounding the orders and amid ongoing concern that Trump will pursue protectionist trade policies. Markets were set to fall in Europe on the opening.
10.26am GMT10.26am GMT
10:2610:26
Adam Vaughan has more on that decision by Starbuck to hire 10,000 refugees.Adam Vaughan has more on that decision by Starbuck to hire 10,000 refugees.
10.22am GMT10.22am GMT
10:2210:22
Boris Johnson to make Commons statement on the travel banBoris Johnson to make Commons statement on the travel ban
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, will be making a statement in the Commons later about the US travel ban, he has told Sky News.Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, will be making a statement in the Commons later about the US travel ban, he has told Sky News.
NEW: @BorisJohnson confirms he will be making a statement to the Commons later on #Trump, tells reporter 'House of Commons, be there!'NEW: @BorisJohnson confirms he will be making a statement to the Commons later on #Trump, tells reporter 'House of Commons, be there!'
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.30am GMTat 10.30am GMT
10.18am GMT10.18am GMT
10:1810:18
David AgrenDavid Agren
Mexicans are musing openly about how to retaliate against Trump’s bullying, writes David Agren in Mexico City.Mexicans are musing openly about how to retaliate against Trump’s bullying, writes David Agren in Mexico City.
Mexico may lack the size, stature and economic might of its northern neighbour, but analysts say the country does have options, all of which should be under consideration due to the severity of the crisis.Mexico may lack the size, stature and economic might of its northern neighbour, but analysts say the country does have options, all of which should be under consideration due to the severity of the crisis.
“He ranted and raved during the campaign, but the guy has a knife to our throat now,” said Federico Estévez, political science professor at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico. “But it’s not like Mexico has no leverage. It does.”“He ranted and raved during the campaign, but the guy has a knife to our throat now,” said Federico Estévez, political science professor at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico. “But it’s not like Mexico has no leverage. It does.”
The Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, has stated unequivocally that Mexico will not pay for a wall which could cost as much as $25bn, but analysts say price isn’t the issue.The Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, has stated unequivocally that Mexico will not pay for a wall which could cost as much as $25bn, but analysts say price isn’t the issue.
“It’s a deal-breaker, but not because of the wall,” Estévez said. “It’s because of the public nature of the humiliation involved. What it really entails is sinking Nafta.”“It’s a deal-breaker, but not because of the wall,” Estévez said. “It’s because of the public nature of the humiliation involved. What it really entails is sinking Nafta.”
Nafta opened up a Mexican economy that was once so closed that candy and consumer goods like Levi’s Jeans were smuggled across the frontier and sold as contraband. Mexico now sends 80% of its exports north and cross-border trade totals more than $500bn.Nafta opened up a Mexican economy that was once so closed that candy and consumer goods like Levi’s Jeans were smuggled across the frontier and sold as contraband. Mexico now sends 80% of its exports north and cross-border trade totals more than $500bn.
Trump could tank the deal in ways other than ripping it up. He could pursue an “America first” line on investment, making it untenable for Mexico to remain a signatory, or simply jawbone companies into avoiding Mexican investments – as he has done with carmakers.Trump could tank the deal in ways other than ripping it up. He could pursue an “America first” line on investment, making it untenable for Mexico to remain a signatory, or simply jawbone companies into avoiding Mexican investments – as he has done with carmakers.
10.16am GMT
10:16
Is this a Muslim ban? Alan Yuhas examines the order and its vagueness:
10.13am GMT
10:13
Tory MP James Cleverly tries to de-link government cosying up to Trump from Britain’s vote to leave the EU.
Lot of comments saying that Brexit is "forcing" us to work with Trump. The importance of US-UK relationship is not linked to Brexit. 1/3
Remember, the Thatcher-Reagan, Blair-Clinton, Bliar-Bush, Cameron-Obama diplomatic relationships were all while we were in the EU. 3/3
10.10am GMT
10:10
Well on the way to the next million ...
At 9:55 am, petition to ban Trump state visit to UK passed over 1m signatures. Since then 12,000 more have signed. https://t.co/LN0toxEI9F
We should not be honouring President Trump with a State visit and he certainly should not be invited to address both Houses of Parliament.
9.59am GMT
09:59
More than one million people sign petition against Trump's state visit
That petition has now topped the million signatory mark.
BREAKING: A million people have signed the petition against Trump's state visit to the UK in 24 hours. https://t.co/DUA68HgB0h #MuslimBan
Updated
at 9.59am GMT
9.58am GMT
09:58
The row over the travel ban should prompt Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to rethink his three-line whip to Labour MPs on triggering article 50, argues John Harris.
We all know the opposing arguments, and they are worth taking seriously: that even if the referendum result is speciously interpreted as consent for hard Brexit, it has to be respected; that many Labour MPs represent areas that voted leave and fear Ukip; that there are two byelections coming up in leave-voting seats, and that the party is in an unbelievably fragile position. But at the same time, I know what many people who fear the Trump/Brexit moment will say: that at a moment so freighted with historic significance, when the UK may be about to trade in an enduring alliance with Europe for a role as the ally of a truly terrifying US president, will it really be Labour MPs’ choice to back the most reckless course imaginable? We shall soon see.
9.52am GMT
09:52
Starbucks says it will hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years, in response to Trump’s travel ban.
Howard Schultz, the coffee retailer’s chairman and CEO, said in a letter to employees that the hiring would apply to stores worldwide and the effort would start in the United States where the focus would be on hiring immigrants “who have served with US troops as interpreters and support personnel.”
It said:
We have a long history of hiring young people looking for opportunities and a pathway to a new life around the world. This is why we are doubling down on this commitment by working with our equity market employees as well as joint venture and licensed market partners in a concerted effort to welcome and seek opportunities for those fleeing war, violence, persecution and discrimination. There are more than 65 million citizens of the world recognized as refugees by the United Nations, and we are developing plans to hire 10,000 of them over five years in the 75 countries around the world where Starbucks does business. And we will start this effort here in the US by making the initial focus of our hiring efforts on those individuals who have served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel in the various countries where our military has asked for such support.
9.43am GMT
09:43
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband is to apply for an emergency Commons debate on Trump’s travel ban.
1/With @nadhimzahawi, I will be applying for an emergency debate for today on President Trump's Muslim ban, in addition to a Statement or UQ
He is backed by Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi who has spoken out over the ban.
With @Ed_Miliband calling for an emergency debate on the divisive ban by the United States on Nationals from predominantly Muslim countries.
The BBC’s assistant political editor, Norman Smith, has been told that MPs will vote on whether to debate Trump’s state visit.
MPs will vote tomorrow on whether to hold debate on planned Trump state visit following petition (now nearly 1 million)
The petition has topped 990,000 signatories.
Updated
at 9.45am GMT
9.37am GMT
09:37
LibDem Leader Tim Farron is stepping up the pressure on Theresa May over her invitation to grant Trump a state visit to the UK.
In a statement he said: “The government is ignoring millions of ordinary British people and their revulsion that Donald Trump will receive the red carpet treatment.”
That petition against the visit is now very close to a million signatories.
Farron added:
“It is wrong for Theresa May to put The Queen in this position. People can see how desperate she is for a Brexit trade deal. But the Prime Minister needs to be aware how dangerous her game with President Trump is.
“Tony Blair decided in 2002 to hitch his cart to a president and say: “I’m with you whatever”. It sank his premiership, and poisoned his legacy. May risks exactly the same.”
Updated
at 10.38am GMT
9.31am GMT
09:31
In one of his last media blogs for the Guardian, commentator Roy Greenslade attacks the “shamefully” pragmatic response of the much of the British press to the Trump’s travel ban.
Clearly, “British interests”, most obviously over trade because of Brexit, are the overriding concern for the pragmatists.
The Daily Mirror, at least, was having none of it: “The prime minister should inform the maverick US president that he is not welcome on a state visit, so no banquet with the Queen until he drops the grotesque bigotry.
“This crisis is a severe test of May’s pledge to be a ‘candid friend’ after the PM shamefully dodged, three times, criticising a policy that is light on evidence but heavy on prejudice.” Precisely. Principle counts more than pragmatism.
9.26am GMT
09:26
Pakistan’s leading opposition politician, Imran Khan, has urged his country to ban Americans if Trump extends the travel ban to Pakistan, Voice of America reports.
Addressing a rally in the central Pakistani town of Sahiwal on Sunday, Khan denounced the ban as anti-Muslim and praised Iran for its retaliatory action of banning Americans from entering the Islamic Republic.
“I want to tell all my fellow Pakistanis today, I pray that Donald Trump really bans visas for us. And then if America tells us they are stopping visas for us we will also, like Iran, tell them we are going to stop visas for Americans.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party is the third major political force in the national parliament, and rules the country’s northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhaw province.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government has not yet commented about Trump’s ban on Muslim countries.
Officials in Islamabad are hoping for improvement in their usually uneasy relations with Washington under the Trump presidency.