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'Humanity comes before special relationship': UK protesters on US travel ban 'Humanity comes before special relationship': UK protesters on US travel ban
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of protesters gathered in cities across the UK on Monday, to demonstrate against Donald Trump’s travel ban on US arrivals from seven Muslim-majority countries and the freeze on refugee admissions. Thousands of people gathered in cities across the UK on Monday, to protest against Donald Trump’s travel ban on US arrivals from seven Muslim-majority countries and the freeze on refugee admissions.
Protesters voiced concerns about the UK government’s weak response to Trump’s ban and the apparent prioritising of the UK’s renewed special relationship with the US in the post-Brexit era. A petition calling for the US president’s visit to the UK not to be classed as a state visit has passed 1.6m signatures. Demonstrators voiced concern about the UK government’s weak response to Trump’s ban and the apparent prioritising of the UK’s renewed special relationship with the US in the post-Brexit era. A petition calling for the US president’s visit to the UK not to be classed as a state visit has passed 1.6m signatures.
About 10,000 people were thought to have marched on Downing Street in London, with large demonstrations also taking place in cities across the UK including Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford. They showed solidarity with the thousands of protesters in the US who gathered at airports in various cities on Sunday who also see the ban as divisive, dangerous and discriminatory. About 10,000 people were thought to have marched on Downing Street in London, with large demonstrations also taking place in cities across the UK including Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Oxford. They showed solidarity with the thousands of protesters in the US, who gathered at airports in various cities on Sunday and who also see the ban as divisive, dangerous and discriminatory.
We spoke to UK protesters about why they took part. Here’s what they said.We spoke to UK protesters about why they took part. Here’s what they said.
‘I fear Brexit and our new relationship with Trump … that the UK will follow down the same path’ – Katharine Harrison, 18, Edinburgh‘I fear Brexit and our new relationship with Trump … that the UK will follow down the same path’ – Katharine Harrison, 18, Edinburgh
I am angered by the actions of Trump’s administration and the apathy of Britain’s unelected prime minister Theresa May. The ban is an inhumane and racist act, and May should stand with the rest of her country against it. Instead she has stayed silent in order to appease Donald Trump. Evil prospers when good people do nothing, and I think this is one of the most significant forms of evil that we are facing right now. I am angered by the actions of Trump’s administration and the apathy of Britain’s unelected prime minister, Theresa May. The ban is an inhumane and racist act, and May should stand with the rest of her country against it. Instead she has stayed silent in order to appease Donald Trump. Evil prospers when good people do nothing, and I think this is one of the most significant forms of evil that we are facing right now.
I marched tonight to join in the fight for tolerance, democracy and humanity. I felt energised, united and determined. Being surrounded by so many people who cared as much as I did about these issues has made me more optimistic about the current state of humanity. There was a sense of friendship amongst everyone as we came together to fight for what we believe in.I marched tonight to join in the fight for tolerance, democracy and humanity. I felt energised, united and determined. Being surrounded by so many people who cared as much as I did about these issues has made me more optimistic about the current state of humanity. There was a sense of friendship amongst everyone as we came together to fight for what we believe in.
I think we should condemn the ban wholeheartedly and this feeling cannot just come from the people, as it has with all the protests, but also from the leaders of our country. We need to send the message that this special relationship will only happen if we share the same values of equality, tolerance and acceptance.I think we should condemn the ban wholeheartedly and this feeling cannot just come from the people, as it has with all the protests, but also from the leaders of our country. We need to send the message that this special relationship will only happen if we share the same values of equality, tolerance and acceptance.
I wouldn’t say it’s changed my opinion on Trump because I haven’t liked him from the start. But it has given me a newfound fear of him. There was always the question of whether he would actually go through with the wild promises he was making, and now that he seems to be doing so, the future is seeming scarier and scarier.I wouldn’t say it’s changed my opinion on Trump because I haven’t liked him from the start. But it has given me a newfound fear of him. There was always the question of whether he would actually go through with the wild promises he was making, and now that he seems to be doing so, the future is seeming scarier and scarier.
I fear the isolation of the US from the rest of the world because of Trump’s divisive and isolationist rhetoric. I fear that, in the aftermath of Brexit, and our new special relationship with Trump, the UK will follow down the same path. I can only hope that the people can unite against these ideologies, and come together. I fear the isolation of the US from the rest of the world. I fear that, in the aftermath of Brexit, and our new special relationship with Trump, the UK will follow the same path. I can only hope that the people can unite against these ideologies, and come together.
‘When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty’ – Maria Suessmilch, 25, Glasgow‘When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty’ – Maria Suessmilch, 25, Glasgow
Growing up in Germany, I heard my grandparents’ stories about the horrors of living through the second word war, and I was always so thankful that I lived in a unified, peaceful and accepting world. I feel like over the past months this has changed dramatically. I cannot stay at home and continue watching this horrific show unfold.Growing up in Germany, I heard my grandparents’ stories about the horrors of living through the second word war, and I was always so thankful that I lived in a unified, peaceful and accepting world. I feel like over the past months this has changed dramatically. I cannot stay at home and continue watching this horrific show unfold.
I came to Scotland almost seven years ago, and there has never been a day when I haven’t felt accepted, welcomed and appreciated in this community. In Scotland we don’t consent to hate and racism. So we have to get up and say so! Staying at home, being quiet is like giving consent to all that’s going on. I cannot watch anymore when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty. I came to Scotland almost seven years ago, and there has never been a day when I haven’t felt accepted, welcomed and appreciated in this community. In Scotland we don’t consent to hate and racism. So we have to get up and say so. Staying at home, being quiet, is like giving consent to all that’s going on. I cannot watch any more. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes a duty.
Today I started fulfilling what I cannot describe as anything else but my duty. It set my mind at ease, knowing that I did something. I know Trump will never know I was at this protest, he might never even hear that Glasgow organised an emergency protest in response to his decisions. But I knew I did something, I showed face, I got up and said no. That makes me sleep easier at night.Today I started fulfilling what I cannot describe as anything else but my duty. It set my mind at ease, knowing that I did something. I know Trump will never know I was at this protest, he might never even hear that Glasgow organised an emergency protest in response to his decisions. But I knew I did something, I showed face, I got up and said no. That makes me sleep easier at night.
I didn’t believe Trump would be as radical as he has proven to be. I am seriously concerned about the next four years.I didn’t believe Trump would be as radical as he has proven to be. I am seriously concerned about the next four years.
‘We need to focus on actual threats. Refugees are not threats’ – Najla Malaibari, Oxford‘We need to focus on actual threats. Refugees are not threats’ – Najla Malaibari, Oxford
It saddens me to see hate and fear blinding those in power at the moment. Taking aim at innocents fleeing persecution, violence and war is not the solution. Blocking academics is not counter-terrorism. National security is just that: protection. We need to focus on actual threats. Refugees are not threats.It saddens me to see hate and fear blinding those in power at the moment. Taking aim at innocents fleeing persecution, violence and war is not the solution. Blocking academics is not counter-terrorism. National security is just that: protection. We need to focus on actual threats. Refugees are not threats.
Giving in to stereotypes and racial profiling, and issuing federal mandates based on these negative attributes is not going to bring about security and calm. It is only going to promote fear and hatred. Giving in to stereotypes and racial profiling, and issuing federal mandates based on these negative attributes, is not going to bring about security and calm. It is only going to promote fear and hatred.
Let’s just focus on having hope. Hope is a good thing.Let’s just focus on having hope. Hope is a good thing.
‘I’m mortified that Theresa May is so keen to cosy up to Trump’ – Elizabeth, 38, teacher, Hull‘I’m mortified that Theresa May is so keen to cosy up to Trump’ – Elizabeth, 38, teacher, Hull
It felt necessary to do something, to show support for Muslims and any migrants and refugees. I have taught children from all over the world, some who lived to be in my classroom because their parents literally ran for their lives with nothing. I dread to think what would have become of those wonderful young people if they had been turned away, and our society would be so much poorer without them.It felt necessary to do something, to show support for Muslims and any migrants and refugees. I have taught children from all over the world, some who lived to be in my classroom because their parents literally ran for their lives with nothing. I dread to think what would have become of those wonderful young people if they had been turned away, and our society would be so much poorer without them.
Trump is being incredibly cruel and thoughtless and causing so much damage. I’m not kidding myself that the orange one is likely to change his ways because of me, but I think that people protesting, telling him he is wrong from all over the world, is likely to irritate that fragile ego quite a bit. Which is entirely enjoyable! Trump is being incredibly cruel and thoughtless and causing so much damage. I’m not kidding myself that the orange one is likely to change his ways because of me, but I think that people protesting, telling him he is wrong from all over the world, is likely to irritate that fragile ego quite a bit – which is entirely enjoyable.
I’m mortified that Theresa May is so keen to cosy up to Trump. Everyone knows the special relationship is only special to us. She should take a moral stand and give us something to be proud of.I’m mortified that Theresa May is so keen to cosy up to Trump. Everyone knows the special relationship is only special to us. She should take a moral stand and give us something to be proud of.
The ban is a clear indication of how corrupt he is, given that he has not extended it to countries he has business links with. And it shows how stupid he is, frankly! My opinion of him was never high but keeps surprising me by getting ever lower. The ban is a clear indication of how corrupt he is, given that he has not extended it to countries he has business links with. And it shows how stupid he is, frankly. My opinion of him was never high but keeps surprising me by getting ever lower.
‘The reaction of the UK government has been embarrassing’ – Lucie, 23, Oxford‘The reaction of the UK government has been embarrassing’ – Lucie, 23, Oxford
I’ve been particularly disappointed that even some of the apparent condemnation by British politicians of the ban has been framed in nationalistic and isolationist rhetoric. Highlighting and prioritising the interests of British nationals who hold dual citizenship distracts from the issue at hand. We should care about this because it’s prejudice and wrong, not just because it might affect us or someone we know.I’ve been particularly disappointed that even some of the apparent condemnation by British politicians of the ban has been framed in nationalistic and isolationist rhetoric. Highlighting and prioritising the interests of British nationals who hold dual citizenship distracts from the issue at hand. We should care about this because it’s prejudice and wrong, not just because it might affect us or someone we know.
Regardless of what Trump’s administration is saying, the ban is about religion, and it is exclusionary and hateful. After Trump’s campaign, I knew that regardless of what he actually did in office his win represented a win for intolerance and prejudice. Nonetheless, I have to admit that I had hoped for the best. This was clearly naive.Regardless of what Trump’s administration is saying, the ban is about religion, and it is exclusionary and hateful. After Trump’s campaign, I knew that regardless of what he actually did in office his win represented a win for intolerance and prejudice. Nonetheless, I have to admit that I had hoped for the best. This was clearly naive.
Seeing that so many people care about what’s happening enough to get outside and set aside their other priorities for a couple of hours, it gave me some hope that if we stand together against injustice we can fight this.Seeing that so many people care about what’s happening enough to get outside and set aside their other priorities for a couple of hours, it gave me some hope that if we stand together against injustice we can fight this.
‘Maybe May believes beggars can’t be choosers, but we should absolutely not stand with Trump’ – Stephanie, 24, Brighton‘Maybe May believes beggars can’t be choosers, but we should absolutely not stand with Trump’ – Stephanie, 24, Brighton
The only positive outcome of Trump’s presidency is the fact that people are pulling together to rise up against him. I felt something needed to be done, our voices needed to be heard. The action everyone is taking sends a very important message of unity in the face of bigotry.The only positive outcome of Trump’s presidency is the fact that people are pulling together to rise up against him. I felt something needed to be done, our voices needed to be heard. The action everyone is taking sends a very important message of unity in the face of bigotry.
I understand that the UK wants friends in a time of crisis, maybe May believes beggars can’t be choosers, but we should absolutely not stand with Trump on this. He needs to be told by those around him that he is wrong. If we tiptoe around his lunacy, he will have no reason to change. We must at the very least condemn his actions and urge him to rethink.I understand that the UK wants friends in a time of crisis, maybe May believes beggars can’t be choosers, but we should absolutely not stand with Trump on this. He needs to be told by those around him that he is wrong. If we tiptoe around his lunacy, he will have no reason to change. We must at the very least condemn his actions and urge him to rethink.
My opinion actually has changed. I thought Trump was a loudmouthed politician who used lies and shock factor to gain power but would ultimately not amount to much. I thought he would twist his words and backtrack. I was wrong. He was everything we feared and worse.My opinion actually has changed. I thought Trump was a loudmouthed politician who used lies and shock factor to gain power but would ultimately not amount to much. I thought he would twist his words and backtrack. I was wrong. He was everything we feared and worse.
I fear for the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, the poor, disabled, anyone of a faith that isn’t Christian. I fear he will cater only to large corporations, himself and the interest of greed. I fear for the environment. It’s hard to list everything I fear for because the list is so long.I fear for the rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, the poor, disabled, anyone of a faith that isn’t Christian. I fear he will cater only to large corporations, himself and the interest of greed. I fear for the environment. It’s hard to list everything I fear for because the list is so long.
I hope only for impeachment, and that uniting against the common enemy will bring people together to rise up in a way we haven’t seen before. Hopefully his tyrannical rule will also prompt reform in the political system in the US.I hope only for impeachment, and that uniting against the common enemy will bring people together to rise up in a way we haven’t seen before. Hopefully his tyrannical rule will also prompt reform in the political system in the US.
‘As a country we have an opportunity to set an example and condemn Trump’s actions’ – Alex, 22, student, Birmingham‘As a country we have an opportunity to set an example and condemn Trump’s actions’ – Alex, 22, student, Birmingham
Taking part in the protests was also about sending a message to the British government. We have seen what can happen when a prime minister says to a president ‘I’m with you whatever’, and I don’t think people are willing to let that happen again. Taking part in the protests was also about sending a message to the British government. We have seen what can happen when a prime minister says to a president “I’m with you whatever,” and I don’t think people are willing to let that happen again.
If, as is being reported, Theresa May was told about the upcoming ban during her visit to Washington, her silence and lack of condemnation is even more appalling. The response of the Foreign Office to protect the rights of British passport holders, including those with dual nationality, was worryingly slow, as was Boris Johnson’s meek statement that only went as far as saying it’s not something our government would do.If, as is being reported, Theresa May was told about the upcoming ban during her visit to Washington, her silence and lack of condemnation is even more appalling. The response of the Foreign Office to protect the rights of British passport holders, including those with dual nationality, was worryingly slow, as was Boris Johnson’s meek statement that only went as far as saying it’s not something our government would do.
It is the responsibility of our leaders to condemn policies such as this, which May and Boris Johnson seem reluctant to do. Humanity comes before our showy special relationship, however May might want it to be. It is the responsibility of our leaders to condemn policies such as this, which May and Johnson seem reluctant to do. Humanity comes before our showy special relationship, however May might want it to be.
I worry that the British government will value the special relationship more than its citizens, and hold its tongue as people are broken and walls are built. As a country we have an opportunity to set an example and condemn Trump’s actions: we should take it.I worry that the British government will value the special relationship more than its citizens, and hold its tongue as people are broken and walls are built. As a country we have an opportunity to set an example and condemn Trump’s actions: we should take it.
I don’t think anyone will be surprised that Trump has used an executive order to discriminate against Muslim-majority countries, this was after all one of his major policies on his campaign. I think people will be more worried by how little the widespread international condemnation seems to have affected him and his administration, and their desire to continue down this destructive path. I don’t think anyone will be surprised that Trump has used an executive order to discriminate against Muslim-majority countries – this was after all one of his major policies on his campaign. I think people will be more worried by how little the widespread international condemnation seems to have affected him and his administration, and their desire to continue down this destructive path.
‘Trump’s undemocratic policies … are against everything that the UK stands for’ – Maggie, 17, Manchester ‘Trump’s undemocratic policies are against everything that the UK stands for’ – Maggie, 17, Manchester
I am aware that Trump is not going to think that ‘hmm now that Maggie has been to that protest in Manchester I may lift the ban’. However, I refuse to be a bystander in a time of hatred and oppression. I attended to put pressure on our own government to not support the US due to its undemocratic policies. It made me feel optimistic that there are others who care. I am aware that Trump is not going to think that “hmm now that Maggie has been to that protest in Manchester I may lift the ban”. However, I refuse to be a bystander in a time of hatred and oppression. I attended to put pressure on our own government to not support the US due to its undemocratic policies. It made me feel optimistic that there are others who care.
Reading the news at the moment every day is depressing to be quite frank and the protest gave me a sign that it’s not all doom and gloom. I think that Theresa May has been weak in this situation. We need to take a harder line and show that we are against Trump’s undemocratic policies, as they are against everything that the UK stands for. Reading the news at the moment every day is depressing and the protest gave me a sign that it’s not all doom and gloom. I think Theresa May has been weak in this situation. We need to take a harder line and show that we are against Trump’s undemocratic policies, as they are against everything that the UK stands for.