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Widespread protests over Donald Trump's travel ban

Downing Street has rejected calls to axe the state visit planned for Donald Trump following widespread outrage over his travel ban on people from certain countries.

More than one million people have signed a petition stating Mr Trump should not be given a state visit.

The immigration curbs have sparked chaos across the US as travellers were detained at airports and thousands of protesters gathered to campaign against the policy.

Boris Johnson has claimed President Trump's immigration policy is "divisive... discriminatory and wrong", but dismissed claims the US is "hostile" towards foreigners.

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Downing Street rejects calls to cancel Trump's state visit

Downing Street said Theresa May wanted to continue to foster a 'close relationship' with Donald Trump. Credit: AP

Downing Street has rejected calls from a petition backed by more than a million people to cancel the state visit planned for Donald Trump.

A spokesperson said any debate sparked by the petition was an "issue for Parliament" amid widespread outrage over Trump's executive-ordered US travel ban.

While Theresa May confirmed she did "not agree" with Trump's refugee ban, the spokesperson said the PM had no plans to cancel his state visit in protest.

The invitation has been extended and it has been accepted. The UK and the US have a strong relationship and it is right that that relationship continues.

We saw the closeness of the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President and it's right we continue to foster that relationship. We will proceed with the state visit.

– Downing Street spokesperson

The spokesperson said Mrs May was "very happy" to extend the invitation on behalf of the Queen, adding: "We look forward to hosting the president later this year."

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Widespread protests over Donald Trump's travel ban

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