US travel ban: Trump defends order as row over UK visit deepens

Donald Trump has defended the implementation of a travel ban preventing people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the US. “If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the “bad” would rush into our country during that week,” he tweeted.
The ban has caused confusion, protests and a series of legal actions at entry ports across the US. A protest is planned in London on Monday evening. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says he hopes to attend.
Theresa May has been booed in Cardiff by protesters against Trump’s travel ban. After the meeting, where the prime minister was discussing Brexit with leaders of the devolved assemblies, the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said that Trump’s state visit should be cancelled while travel bans are in place.
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.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global fight against terrorism does not warrant putting groups of people under suspicion. She said the ban is “contrary to the basic principles of international refugee help and international cooperation.”

 

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