The government noted, although they do not routinely comment on immigration matters, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, can ban “a non-European Economic Area national from the UK if she considers their presence in the UK to be non-conducive to the public good.”
May also said, “Coming to the UK is a privilege and not a right,” while also noting she will “continue to use the powers available to prevent from entering the UK those who seek to harm our society and who do not share our basic values.”
The petition was started by Suzanne Kelly after Trump called for all Muslims to be banned from the US following the Paris terror attacks. When the petition garnered 100,000 signatures the government confirmed the matter could be discussed in parliament.
This isn’t the UK’s first open stance against the Republican front-runner’s policies. British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has made it clear he disagrees with Trump’s remarks and has called his comments about Muslims “divisive”.
Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, also previously stated Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric insulted London’s “proud history of tolerance and diversity”.
“The Government recognises the strength of feeling against the remarks and will continue to speak out against comments which have the potential to divide our communities, regardless of who makes them. We reject any attempts to create division and marginalisation amongst those we endeavour to protect,” continued the Government’s response to the petition.
