London: Theresa May and Sadiq Khan Clash over Trump's State Visit

The British Government finally confirmed on Tuesday that they would invite the US President Donald Trump for a state visit. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, came under attack from the White House he opposed the idea.

As reported in Hindustan Times, UK Foreign Minister, Boris Johnson, told BBC Radio that the invitation has been issued and accepted by the US Government and no further changes are to be made.

The Sun Newspaper confirmed that the scheduled meeting between UK Prime Minister Theresa May and President Donald Trump is on.

Sadiq Khan is backed by national opposition leaders. In an interview with AFP, he repeatedly called the invitation as "premature". Khan said,

“State visits are given to world leaders who have had distinguished service, who have a track record. In the circumstances where Donald Trump as President had a Muslim ban, had changed the policies of the USA, the longstanding policies around refugees, in the circumstances where many British people disagree with many of Donald Trump’s policies, we shouldn’t be having a state visit”.

Seven people died and 48 others were injured when 3 men drove a van into pedestrians and stabbed people in bars in the London Bridge and Borough Market areas of London.

According to BBC reports, while speaking in the aftermath of the terror attack, The Mayor said that he had no words to describe the "grief and anger" the city was feeling, and went on to say: "Londoners will see an increased police presence today and over the course of the next few days. No reason to be alarmed."

President Trump criticised Khan for this on the social media, tweeting: "At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is 'no reason to be alarmed!'"

Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017

PM Theresa May praised Khan for his response to the terror attack but refused to comment on President Trump’s interference. She had invited Trump a week after he took office.

After such a furore, more than 1.8 million people have signed an online petition which condemns Trump’s visit to the UK. The petition says that Trump should not make a state visit as it would be disrespect to the Monarch.

Picture Credit: BBC

Also read: 9 Things Theresa May Revealed About Her Personal Life

Kavya is an intern with SheThePeople. TV