Sadiq Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor, has slammed US President Donald Trump’s ban on people from certain countries entering the United States as “shameful”.
The London Mayor released a statement yesterday condemning Mr Trump’s controversial executive order which blocks entry to refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The controversial policy has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, with also protests taking place across America.
The executive order has banned Syrian refugees indefinitely and includes a 90-day block on travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia.
In his statement, Mr Khan said: “President Trump's ban on refugees and immigrants from certain countries is shameful and cruel.
““The USA has a proud history of welcoming and resettling refugees. The President can't just turn his back on this global crisis - all countries need to play their part.
“While every country has the right to set its own immigration policies, this new policy flies in the face of the values of freedom and tolerance that the USA was built upon.”
While the policy has been condemned by some world leaders and politicians, Theresa May was hesitant when questioned during a state visit to Turkey.
She faced widespread criticism for her refusal, with Downing Street eventually announcing on Saturday that the Prime Minister “does not agree” with the policy.
Mt Khan added: “As a nation that, like the USA, values tolerance, diversity and freedom, we cannot just shrug our shoulders and say: 'It's not our problem'.”
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