British Government rejects petition signed by nearly two million to ban Trump
The British Government has officially rejected a petition signed by 1.8 million people to cancel Donald Trump’s state visit.
The petition was launched on Parliament’s website and required an official response from the Government as it reached over 100,000 signatures.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) responded on behalf of the Government and said it would still extend “the full courtesy of a State Visit”.
“HM Government believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a State Visit. We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised,” it said in a statement.
“HM Government recognises the strong views expressed by the many signatories of this petition but does not support this petition.
“During her visit to the United States on 27 January 2017, the Prime Minister, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, invited President Trump for a State Visit to the UK later this year.
“The invitation was accepted. This invitation reflects the importance of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. At this stage, final dates have not yet been agreed for the State Visit.”
Theresa May attracted criticism at the way she offered the new President a State Visit so soon after his inauguration.
It came just hours before he enacted a controversial travel ban that stopped refugees and visitors from seven majority Muslim countries.
Just days after claiming to be an LGBT rights supporter, Mr Trump axed protections for trans people.
Laverne Cox recently used an appearance at the Grammys to educate people on Gavin Grimm and his case at the Supreme Court in March.
