Thousands of protesters on 4 February gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in London to protest a travel ban introduced on citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and refugees. Approximately 10,000 people marched from the embassy to 10 Downing Street where the U.K. government offices are to also protest Prime Minister Theresa May who has so far failed to condemn the latest restrictions by the U.S. administration. “No hate no fear, refugees are welcome here,” shouted the protesters.
A placard read “Terror has no religion, it is the product of hatred and ignorance.” “No to racism, no to Islamophobia,” was another placard carried by protesters.
The rally was called by various NGOs and groups, including Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), Muslim Council of Britain, Friends of Al-Aqsa and Stop the War Coalition, where Muslim groups extended invitation to people to visit around 150 mosques on the 3rd “Visit My Mosque Day” on 5 February.
“Trump’s ban on Muslims must be opposed by all who are against racism and support basic human rights and Theresa May’s collusion with Trump must end,” the organisers said.
The group called the U.K. government to cancel a state visit invitation extended recently by May to U.S. President Donald Trump, shouting “No to Trump!” in front of the government offices.
An online petition asking the government to cancel the visit was signed by more than 1.8 million people. A government statement said it will be debated at the House of Commons on Feb.20.
May said last Monday at a news conference in Dublin the visit would not be cancelled after she personally extended the invitation during her recent visit to the White House last week.