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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)
1.20pm GMT
13:20
Downing Street embroils Queen in the row
Downing Street now appears to be trying to partially pass the buck to Buckingham Palace.
A Downing Street statement said Theresa May was “very happy” to invite President Donald Trump for a state visit on behalf of the Queen.
Clarification from Number 10 re who invited President Trump for State Visit - PM "on behalf of the Queen - and she was very happy to do so" pic.twitter.com/n06t0n2Sfe
No10 says Theresa May was simply passing on an invitation to Trump from the Queen. Not sure how that will go down at Buck House. pic.twitter.com/7iYjYtrnZb
Correction: it actually is all the Queen's fault. PM just a humble messenger. Boris is off the hook. Until the next clarification... https://t.co/QbExLx6uNq
Updated
at 1.22pm GMT
1.12pm GMT
13:12
Trump’s chief spokesman Sean Spicer has defended the manner in which the White House rolled out the travel bans, AP reports.
Spicer said officials were concerned about the possibility that doing it in a more open fashion would “telegraph what you’re going to do” to people who might have rushed to airports to beat the ban.
In an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Monday, Spicer also said officials’ highest priority was “to protect our own people” and said everybody in the government who needed to be consulted was consulted.
Spicer also says that Trump respects “people who are Muslim and peace-loving. But he also recognises that certain countries and certain areas of the world produce people who seek to do us harm.”
The spokesman, asked about delays at airports experienced by travellers with valid papers, said that 109 of some 325, 000 travellers “were slowed down” in their trips, and called that “a small price to pay” for protecting the American people.
1.03pm GMT
13:03
Andrew Sparrow
Andrew Sparrow has a summary of a brief from the prime minister’s office:
Downing Street said Britons were not getting special treatment in relation to the US travel ban. He said the Foreign Office statement last night about how the new US rules affected dual nationals was not intended to mean that British dual nationals were getting preferential treatment. It was meant to be a clarification of how the rules affected dual nationals generally. He said he could not comment on the new statement issued by the American embassy this morning because he had not seen it. (See 12.01pm.)
The spokesman confirmed that Britain did not agree with President Trump’s move. “We disagree with these restrictions,” the spokesman said. He said that statement covered all aspects of the Trump travel ban.
We don’t agree with these restrictions, it is not the way we would do it. Where people’s rights, UK citizens’ rights, have been affected, we have set about getting a clarification to allow them to travel. As we pointed out last week, where we disagree with something we are happy to say we disagree with it.
The spokesman said that the decision to invite Trump to the UK for a state visit was first taken by the state visit committee that operates in the Foreign Office. Asked why Trump was being offered a state visit so soon, when previous presidents have had to wait months or years for an equivalent invitation, the spokesman said said:
There is no set timing that a president needs to be in office before they receive, or don’t receive, an invitation for a state visit. There is a process for state visits. Each year the government looks at the recommendations that are made by the committee for state visits, those recommendations are then put to Buckingham Palace, the palace then needs to agree to the visit, then, historically the invitation is extended on behalf of Her Majesty by the government, and that is the process that took place this time.
But the spokesman was unable to say who sits on the committee, or to explain why Trump received his invitation within a week of taking office.
(Very few observers will believe that Trump got the invitation just because an obscure committee came up with the idea. Ultimately these decisions are taken by Number 10, and May clearly offered Trump a visit quickly because he appears to want one desperatelyand she thought this would help to improve a relationship that has become particularly important in the light of Brexit.)
The spokesman also dismissed the prospect of the invitation being withdrawn.
The invitation has been extended and it has been accepted. The UK and the US have a very strong, close relationship and it is right that we continue to work together.
The spokesman said it was up to parliament to decide whether the petition saying Donald Trump should not be invited to the UK for a state visit should be debated. The petition has received more than 1m signatures, and petitions getting more than 100,000 signatures are normally considered for debate. But by convention the Commons does not normally debate matters relating to the Queen, and so it is likely that this may never get debated. Asked if the prime minister would like to see this debated in parliament, the spokesman said this was a matter for parliament.
The spokesman said the planned white paper on Brexit would be published as soon as possible, but he refused to say when.
May is travelling to Dublin after the joint ministerial committee meeting in Cardiff for talks with the Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny. May will hold a press conference in Dublin in the early evening.
Damian Green, the work and pensions secretary, has announced that London and Manchester will get around £100m “to develop, procure and deliver localised versions of the new Work and Health Programme to fit the needs of their residents”.
More here.
12.59pm GMT
12:59
Sudan’s foreign minister, Ibrahim Ghadour, has criticised the US ban on travellers from his country, pointing out that it comes as the US and Sudan had just started cooperating on anti-terrorism.
Speaking to Bloomberg he said:
“We feel sorry that the decision was taken at a time we started cooperating and the sanctions were lifted.
“We are ready to continue for the benefit of our country and countries of the region as well as other countries who are effected by terrorism, which is now a transnational phenomenon,” he said.
“The Americans know that we’re not harbouring any opposition of any other country, including South Sudan. They know that the government has negotiated peace with rebels.”
12.51pm GMT12.51pm GMT
12:5112:51
In his third tweet of the day conceded that “there is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country”. But he appears in no mood to back down, by pointing out that the ban was part of his campaign.In his third tweet of the day conceded that “there is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country”. But he appears in no mood to back down, by pointing out that the ban was part of his campaign.
There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world!There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world!
12.50pm GMT12.50pm GMT
12:5012:50
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Speaking to Sky News, the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said he hoped to attend this evening’s rally outside Downing Street against Donald Trump’s travel ban.Speaking to Sky News, the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said he hoped to attend this evening’s rally outside Downing Street against Donald Trump’s travel ban.
He said of the policy:He said of the policy:
“It’s outrageous, it’s illegal as well as being immoral. I think we should stand up for the values we believe in which is you don’t discriminate...“It’s outrageous, it’s illegal as well as being immoral. I think we should stand up for the values we believe in which is you don’t discriminate...
“We should say candidly and firmly to friends as well as to those who we don’t agree with, human rights are important, the rights of people are important and where does all this lead to? If you’re saying people because they’re Muslims can’t travel to the United States, where does that lead to?“We should say candidly and firmly to friends as well as to those who we don’t agree with, human rights are important, the rights of people are important and where does all this lead to? If you’re saying people because they’re Muslims can’t travel to the United States, where does that lead to?
“We would condemn any other country in the world for doing this, I think we should do the same and say firmly to the United States president, I’m really sorry, we just cannot support or agree with you on this.”“We would condemn any other country in the world for doing this, I think we should do the same and say firmly to the United States president, I’m really sorry, we just cannot support or agree with you on this.”
Corbyn said he would try to attend the rally but would “certainly be supporting it”.Corbyn said he would try to attend the rally but would “certainly be supporting it”.
12.28pm GMT12.28pm GMT
12:2812:28
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
Donald Trump has claimed that the problems seen at US airports over the weekend were a result of computer outages and protesters rather than his travel ban.Donald Trump has claimed that the problems seen at US airports over the weekend were a result of computer outages and protesters rather than his travel ban.
Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,.....Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,.....
protesters and the tears of Senator Schumer. Secretary Kelly said that all is going well with very few problems. MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!protesters and the tears of Senator Schumer. Secretary Kelly said that all is going well with very few problems. MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.44pm GMTat 12.44pm GMT
12.23pm GMT12.23pm GMT
12:2312:23
Haroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique
The Guardian’s political editor, Anushka Asthana, says the government is adamant that the Foreign Office statement last night – that dual nationals will be allowed in as long as they are not travelling from one of the seven countries – is correct, despite the contradictory statement from the US embassy in London.The Guardian’s political editor, Anushka Asthana, says the government is adamant that the Foreign Office statement last night – that dual nationals will be allowed in as long as they are not travelling from one of the seven countries – is correct, despite the contradictory statement from the US embassy in London.
Govt sources saying the FCO statement last night was signed off by president Trump's team, and insists "they are in charge"Govt sources saying the FCO statement last night was signed off by president Trump's team, and insists "they are in charge"
Govt source tells me they have clarified the situation with White House today, and FCO statement is correct... https://t.co/k8asG2x7rqGovt source tells me they have clarified the situation with White House today, and FCO statement is correct... https://t.co/k8asG2x7rq
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.43pm GMTat 12.43pm GMT
12.13pm GMT12.13pm GMT
12:1312:13
The insurance company AXA UK, says its travel policy holders will be entitled to claims if they have been hit by Trump’s travel ban. It said:The insurance company AXA UK, says its travel policy holders will be entitled to claims if they have been hit by Trump’s travel ban. It said:
“In light of the sudden and unexpected decision by the Trump administration to block entry to the US for nationals from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen, AXA Insurance UK confirms that individuals who have been denied entry as a result of the executive order, will be able to claim on their policy. Although not technically covered, we view the current situation as unprecedented and unforeseen and as such we are extending the cover under our policies. For those intending to travel to, or return from, the United States of America we recommend allowing extra time due to protests currently taking place at a number of airports.”“In light of the sudden and unexpected decision by the Trump administration to block entry to the US for nationals from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen, AXA Insurance UK confirms that individuals who have been denied entry as a result of the executive order, will be able to claim on their policy. Although not technically covered, we view the current situation as unprecedented and unforeseen and as such we are extending the cover under our policies. For those intending to travel to, or return from, the United States of America we recommend allowing extra time due to protests currently taking place at a number of airports.”
12.10pm GMT12.10pm GMT
12:1012:10
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
Andrew Sparrow is just back form a lobby briefing where Downing Street could not explain contradictions in foreign advice about dual nationals and a new statement from the US embassy in London.Andrew Sparrow is just back form a lobby briefing where Downing Street could not explain contradictions in foreign advice about dual nationals and a new statement from the US embassy in London.
This morning the American embassy in London has put out a statement suggesting that Britons with dual nationality from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will be affected by the US travel ban.This morning the American embassy in London has put out a statement suggesting that Britons with dual nationality from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen will be affected by the US travel ban.
This appears to contradict the statement issued by the Foreign Office last night.This appears to contradict the statement issued by the Foreign Office last night.
Asked about the statement from the American embassy, the prime minister’s spokesman said he could not comment because he had not seen it.Asked about the statement from the American embassy, the prime minister’s spokesman said he could not comment because he had not seen it.
But this is what he did say about the issue.But this is what he did say about the issue.
Britons are not getting special treatment in relation to the travel ban, the spokesman said. He said the Foreign Office statement last night about how the new US rules affected dual nationals was not intended to mean that British dual nationals were getting preferential treatment. It was meant to be a clarification of how the rules affected dual nationals generally.Britons are not getting special treatment in relation to the travel ban, the spokesman said. He said the Foreign Office statement last night about how the new US rules affected dual nationals was not intended to mean that British dual nationals were getting preferential treatment. It was meant to be a clarification of how the rules affected dual nationals generally.
The spokesman confirmed that Britain did not agree with President Trump’s move. “We disagree with these restrictions,” the spokesman said. He said that statement covered all aspects of the Trump travel ban.The spokesman confirmed that Britain did not agree with President Trump’s move. “We disagree with these restrictions,” the spokesman said. He said that statement covered all aspects of the Trump travel ban.
More here.More here.
12.06pm GMT12.06pm GMT
12:0612:06
Suzanne Moore argues that a state visit would be worse than appeasing Trump.Suzanne Moore argues that a state visit would be worse than appeasing Trump.
The British state reserves its pomp and pageantry for those with shared values. To do this for Trump is not simply appeasing his, but legitimising his regime. This is not just embarrassing for the Queen but for every decent citizen. The vicar’s daughter may have lost her moral compass somewhere over the Atlantic, but this petition and the debate it prompts shows more than a million of us are clinging onto ours. It is not in the national interest to bend a knee to hate.The British state reserves its pomp and pageantry for those with shared values. To do this for Trump is not simply appeasing his, but legitimising his regime. This is not just embarrassing for the Queen but for every decent citizen. The vicar’s daughter may have lost her moral compass somewhere over the Atlantic, but this petition and the debate it prompts shows more than a million of us are clinging onto ours. It is not in the national interest to bend a knee to hate.
12.03pm GMT12.03pm GMT
12:0312:03
The UK Syrian community has condemned Trumps travel ban and warned that it could lead to a rise in hate crime in the UK. In a statement it said:The UK Syrian community has condemned Trumps travel ban and warned that it could lead to a rise in hate crime in the UK. In a statement it said:
We fear that this executive order will have a reverse effect of fuelling hate and inciting terrorism in the UK and across the world, as we have already seen by the terrorist shooting at a Canadian mosque on 29 January which killed six worshippers and injured an additional eight. Such potential ramifications were stressed by US Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham who argued in a joint statement that Trump’s Muslim ban could ‘become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism’.We fear that this executive order will have a reverse effect of fuelling hate and inciting terrorism in the UK and across the world, as we have already seen by the terrorist shooting at a Canadian mosque on 29 January which killed six worshippers and injured an additional eight. Such potential ramifications were stressed by US Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham who argued in a joint statement that Trump’s Muslim ban could ‘become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism’.
We are also concerned about the repercussions that Trump’s Muslim ban will have against Syrian refugees who fled the Syrian conflict under the worst imaginable conditions – arbitrary arrest, torture, constant bombardment, and relentless siege. This group deserves compassion and assistance from Western countries, not to mention that many have fled from the very terrorism which Trump has vowed to eradicate. We call upon the UK to echo the stand of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by welcoming Syrian refugees banned by the US into the UK ...We are also concerned about the repercussions that Trump’s Muslim ban will have against Syrian refugees who fled the Syrian conflict under the worst imaginable conditions – arbitrary arrest, torture, constant bombardment, and relentless siege. This group deserves compassion and assistance from Western countries, not to mention that many have fled from the very terrorism which Trump has vowed to eradicate. We call upon the UK to echo the stand of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by welcoming Syrian refugees banned by the US into the UK ...
We call upon the government to offer a formal protest against Trump’s Muslim ban and to denounce it as discriminatory and counterproductive to the fight against terror.We call upon the government to offer a formal protest against Trump’s Muslim ban and to denounce it as discriminatory and counterproductive to the fight against terror.
11.59am GMT11.59am GMT
11:5911:59
Ukip’s former leader Nigel Farage has backed Trump’s travel ban and called on the UK government to impose similar measures.Ukip’s former leader Nigel Farage has backed Trump’s travel ban and called on the UK government to impose similar measures.
He accused Britain’s political establishment of hypocrisy by failing to speak out against a temporary ban on Iraqis entering the US imposed by President Obama in 2011.He accused Britain’s political establishment of hypocrisy by failing to speak out against a temporary ban on Iraqis entering the US imposed by President Obama in 2011.
Speaking to BBC News Farage said: “It is seems to me that when Obama does something that’s fine, but that somehow Trump in this category of being a bad guy.”Speaking to BBC News Farage said: “It is seems to me that when Obama does something that’s fine, but that somehow Trump in this category of being a bad guy.”
He added: “This was all part of his manifesto, and in fact in some ways he hasn’t gone as far as he said in some parts of the campaign.”He added: “This was all part of his manifesto, and in fact in some ways he hasn’t gone as far as he said in some parts of the campaign.”
Asked if he wanted to see extreme vetting in the UK, Farage said: “I certainly do. I want us to be as careful as we can.”Asked if he wanted to see extreme vetting in the UK, Farage said: “I certainly do. I want us to be as careful as we can.”
“I’ve got moderate Muslim friends living in this country, who feel every time there is a terrorist attack that their quality of life is declining hugely. So anything we can do actually to stop these things happening actually makes it better for everybody.”“I’ve got moderate Muslim friends living in this country, who feel every time there is a terrorist attack that their quality of life is declining hugely. So anything we can do actually to stop these things happening actually makes it better for everybody.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.27pm GMTat 12.27pm GMT
11.43am GMT11.43am GMT
11:4311:43
Severin CarrellSeverin Carrell
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.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.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.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.”“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.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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.46am GMTat 11.46am GMT
11.38am GMT11.38am GMT
11:3811:38
Iraq’s parliament has voted to “retaliate” against the travel ban, according to snap from Reuters.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.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.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 GMT11.33am GMT
11:3311:33
Peter Walker has asked the Foreign Office to clarify the advice to dual nationals about travelling to the US.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/GkAEQXp5QzThis 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.I've asked the Foreign Office to explain the seeming contradiction.
11.30am GMT11.30am GMT
11:3011:30
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.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.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.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 GMT11.28am GMT
11:2811:28
US embassy in the UK suspends visa issuance to nationals and dual nationalsUS 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.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.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.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 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.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 GMT11.20am GMT
11:2011:20
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.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/EjcvKxFwJDI'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
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.20am GMTat 11.20am GMT