UK PM has come under fire for having been sluggish in her reply to US ban on immigrants from Muslim-dominated countries from setting foot into the United States.
In an earlier response, No 10 said that it was a US matter after which she quickly adjusted her statement to say “does not agree” with it.
According to Lib Dem Tim Farron, Ms May should have been against it upfront. Some accused her for acting in a cowardice manner, reports CNN.
“Divisive and wrong to stigmatise because of nationality,” tweeted Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
Keenly avoiding mentioning the US ban, he said that they would work to ensure UK nationals rights are respected both at home and abroad.
First World Leader to meet Trump
Ms May became the first world leader to meet US President after their Friday meeting. The meeting was held before Donald Trump signed an executive order that places a 90-day ban on Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan and Syria nationals.
At the time of signing, she was already in Turkey where she declined to comment on the happenings.
But after landing in UK, Downing Street clarified her position through a statement sent to media outlets.
The UK leadership said that the policy is a US matter adding that they “do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking.”
‘Deeply Troubling’
Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, a Somali residing in the US said the ban is deeply troubling.
He said that he is a British citizen who has resided in the US for 6 years. Within this time, he has been playing his civic duties appropriately including paying taxes and taking care of their four children at a place their now call home. He regretted that they are told he and many other are no longer welcome.
“It’s deeply troubling that I will have to tell my children that Daddy might not be able to come home,” said the Olympic Champion.
The new policy has been described as divisive by prominent people, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke. He was however quick to defend to how Theresa May responded.
He explained that the PM prefers listening to the briefing before she can share her thoughts on matters of public interest. “The important thing is we are saying we disagree with it and we do think it’s wrong,” said Mr Gauke.
Several opposition leaders and Conservative MPs have maintained their criticism arguing the PM should have reacted quickly.
Among them is Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn who said that May waited till midnight to adjust her position.
Sometimes back, Theresa May had said that she would strongly tell-off with Donald Trump if he supported controversial policies. It did not take long before she had to walk the talk.
She initially seemed to have a soft spot for the US President but alter on took a harder stance, one that came after much criticism.
