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US travel ban: Trump says 'bad dudes' pose threat as row over UK visit deepens – live US travel ban: Trump defends order as row over UK visit deepens – live
(35 minutes later)
2.36pm GMT
14:36
Alice Ross
The advice to airport staff over how to handle nationals from the affected countries has been in flux over the weekend, writes Alice Ross.
Today that advice has changed again, an employee of an international airline working in Dubai told the Guardian.
Their team has now been told not to reject would-be passengers from the seven countries at check-in. Instead they should be referred to the security team, who will then try to get clearance for them from the US border guards on a case-by-case basis.
This applies to green card holders and holders of any visas.
There’s no advice for airport staff about how to handle travellers with dual nationalities. “We’re letting them go. I think it’s vague purposefully from our end to help our passengers,” said the employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
2.31pm GMT
14:31
Here’s the latest summary ...
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.
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.”
More than 1.25 million people have signed a petition calling for the visit to be cancelled. The Commons is expected to vote on whether to debate the visit.
The US embassy in Britain has insisted that it will not be offering visas to travellers from the seven countries, including those with dual nationality. This contradicts and assurance given to foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who is is due to update the Commons on US travel ban.
Labour has accused Theresa May of “appeasing” Trump by refusing to withdraw the state visit invitation. Shami Chakrabarti, shadow attorney general, said: “The world is in a very precarious situation at the moment and we will not make this world safer or fairer by appeasing bullies like Mr Trump.”
Thousands took to the streets in major cities and converged on airports to protest the executive orders. Protests blocked the main road outside the international terminal at Los Angeles international airport late on Sunday night.
Several people are reported still detained at LA airport, scene of legal challenges to the ban. An Iranian man with a valid visa is on his way back to the US after a federal court injunction stayed his removal back to Dubai from LA.
Indonesia, a Muslim nation not covered by the ban, said the policy could hurt the global fight against terror.
The Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich, said the travel orders were a “dark moment” in US history and contrary to American values.
Financial markets in Asia fell amid the confusion surrounding the orders and amid ongoing concern that Trump will pursue protectionist trade policies. Markets were set to fall in Europe on the opening.
2.15pm GMT
14:15
Interesting timing from George Osborne ... he has just announced he will be a visiting fellow at the university institute set up by Senator John McCain, a vocal critic of Trump’s travel ban and his stance on torture.
Honoured to be inaugural Kissinger Fellow @McCainInstitute - it is time to defend the western values we hold dear https://t.co/9dehssvVbE
While Theresa May is facing mounting pressure over the way she invited Trump for a state visit, Osborne has been singing McCain’s praises.
The McCain institute quotes Osborne saying: “I am very honoured to be named the McCain Institute’s first Kissinger Fellow. I have long admired Henry Kissinger and John McCain - and count myself fortunate to know both these extraordinary leaders. I look forward to using this opportunity to work with the McCain Institute to see how we best promote our western values and secure a stable world order in this time of change.”
2.08pm GMT
14:08
Severin Carrell
The most senior figure in the Church of Scotland, the Right Rev Dr Russell Barr has said he is horrified with President Trump’s ban on refugees and travellers from seven Muslim majority countries, and implied the president is breaching Christian teachings, writes Severin Carrell.
Dr Barr, moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, said he supported the protests against Trump’s executive order across the US and globally. He supported a protest from the clerk of the US Presbyterian church’s general assembly, Rev J Herbert Nelson II.
“History is littered with instances in which human distrust, xenophobia, and discrimination has sewn hatred and conflict; our own desire for self-preservation taken at the exclusion of others,” Barr said, before calling on pressure to be applied to the UK government to listen to that message.
“Throughout history the bible has called Christians to live beyond hatred and fear, demonstrating a radical hospitality where the stranger finds welcome and refuge is provided for those who are oppressed.”
2.05pm GMT
14:05
Simon Tisdall
Britain has a long history of inviting controversial and embarrassing guests on state visits. Donald Trump is likely to fit in well with this tradition, writes Simon Tisdall.
2.02pm GMT2.02pm GMT
14:0214:02
Merkel denounces the travel banMerkel denounces the travel ban
Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global fight against terrorism does not warrant putting groups of people under suspicion, Reuters reports.Chancellor Angela Merkel said the global fight against terrorism does not warrant putting groups of people under suspicion, Reuters reports.
She added Trump’s order to restrict people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States violates the spirit of international cooperation.She added Trump’s order to restrict people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States violates the spirit of international cooperation.
“The necessary and decisive battle against terrorism does not in any way justify putting groups of certain people under general suspicion - in this case people of Muslim belief or of a certain origin,” Merkel told a news conference in Berlin.“The necessary and decisive battle against terrorism does not in any way justify putting groups of certain people under general suspicion - in this case people of Muslim belief or of a certain origin,” Merkel told a news conference in Berlin.
“In my opinion, this act runs contrary to the basic principles of international refugee help and international cooperation,” she said.“In my opinion, this act runs contrary to the basic principles of international refugee help and international cooperation,” she said.
“The chancellery and the foreign ministry will do everything they can, especially for those dual citizens affected, to clear up the legal ramifications and to emphatically represent their interests under the law.”“The chancellery and the foreign ministry will do everything they can, especially for those dual citizens affected, to clear up the legal ramifications and to emphatically represent their interests under the law.”
She added: “We’re clearly having close consultations with our European partners about this entire issue.”She added: “We’re clearly having close consultations with our European partners about this entire issue.”
1.54pm GMT1.54pm GMT
13:5413:54
Trump has said he has made a decision about the vacant ninth seat on the supreme court. In a tweet more like a trailer for a reality TV show, he kept the US in suspense by saying an announcement of the name will be made on Tuesday. Many have predicted that the row about the travel ban will ultimately have to be settled by the supreme court.Trump has said he has made a decision about the vacant ninth seat on the supreme court. In a tweet more like a trailer for a reality TV show, he kept the US in suspense by saying an announcement of the name will be made on Tuesday. Many have predicted that the row about the travel ban will ultimately have to be settled by the supreme court.
I have made my decision on who I will nominate for The United States Supreme Court. It will be announced live on Tuesday at 8:00 P.M. (W.H.)I have made my decision on who I will nominate for The United States Supreme Court. It will be announced live on Tuesday at 8:00 P.M. (W.H.)
1.49pm GMT1.49pm GMT
13:4913:49
The head of Goldman Sachs, many of whose alumni are among Trump’s most senior advisers, has told the company that he does not back the ban.The head of Goldman Sachs, many of whose alumni are among Trump’s most senior advisers, has told the company that he does not back the ban.
Speaking to his employee in voicemail Lloyd Blankfein said: “This is not a policy we support, and I would note that it has already been challenged in federal court, and some of the order has been enjoined at least temporarily.”Speaking to his employee in voicemail Lloyd Blankfein said: “This is not a policy we support, and I would note that it has already been challenged in federal court, and some of the order has been enjoined at least temporarily.”
Blankfein said Goldman Sachs would work to minimise potential disruptions to employees and their families caused by Trump’s order, according to a transcript seen by Reuters.Blankfein said Goldman Sachs would work to minimise potential disruptions to employees and their families caused by Trump’s order, according to a transcript seen by Reuters.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.49pm GMTat 1.49pm GMT
1.45pm GMT1.45pm GMT
13:4513:45
Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, says her government is examining the situation and will be offering support to those affected by the travel ban, according to snap by Reuters.Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, says her government is examining the situation and will be offering support to those affected by the travel ban, according to snap by Reuters.
1.34pm GMT1.34pm GMT
13:3413:34
Trump has defended the hasty introduction of the travel ban, claiming “bad dudes” would have rushed into the US if they had been given notice.Trump has defended the hasty introduction of the travel ban, claiming “bad dudes” would have rushed into the US if they had been given notice.
If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the "bad" would rush into our country during that week. A lot of bad "dudes" out there!If the ban were announced with a one week notice, the "bad" would rush into our country during that week. A lot of bad "dudes" out there!
1.30pm GMT
13:30
The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, has spoken out against the travel ban saying it is “not the European way.” She added “In Europe we have a history that has taught us that every time we invest in divisions and walls you might end up in a prison ... we celebrate when walls are brought down and bridges are built.”
She said Europe will continue to host refugees regardless of religion.
"EU will continue to host refugees. It's in our identity: we celebrate when walls are brought down and bridges are built" @FedericaMog pic.twitter.com/ZMwLL6NvCO
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 GMT
12:51
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.
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 GMT
12:50
Haroon 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.
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...
“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.”
Corbyn said he would try to attend the rally but would “certainly be supporting it”.
12.28pm GMT
12:28
Haroon 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.
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!
Updated
at 12.44pm GMT
12.23pm GMT
12:23
Haroon 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.
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/k8asG2x7rq
Updated
at 12.43pm GMT
12.13pm GMT
12:13
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:
“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.”