By James Simons-
Birmingham is divided over the planned trip of President Donald Trump to the UK later this year.
Thousands last week signed an MP’s online petition calling for the US President to be “banned” from Birmingham.
Labour MP, Liam Bryne, initiated the petition, following news that Trump’s state visit could be moved to the Midlands. Byrne said a visit by Mr Trump, whose policies have sparked global protests, would be “divisive”.
Over 1.8 million people have signed a petition urging the government to call off Mr Trump’s state visit to the UK, amid a row over his immigration measures. However, the UK government have no plans to call off the trip, having already officially invited the president to the UK.
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Trump’s controversial policies on immigration and abortion are amongst the issues annoying residents of Birmingham.
Trump’ s recent ban of people to America from seven Muslim countries has led to charges of discrimination against the American president. The ban has been overturned by the American courts.
Trump insists the ban was aimed at preventing terrorism, but critics argue he has gone about it in an unconstitutional manner. Trump’s anti abortion policies, according to him us aimed at preserving the value of life.
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COUNTER PETITION
A counter-petition in support of Mr Trump’s state visit has attracted over 300,000 supporters, and the numbers are still growing. Its originator Alan Brown said the president should come as the UK supports free speech. Laila King and partner John Hall told the eye of media.com ” let Trump come to Birmingham, I think he is the man to sort America out. He says what he means and means what he says. He is doing everything he said he would do, and as controversial as he may be, many Americans want a man who will be straight and honest like him. Some of his views come across as extreme, but it just goes to show that he is very serious about his goals, laila said, her partner agreeing with her every word.
His promise to build a wall between America and the U.S is to prevent illegal immigrants coming to the country as they please, John Hall said. He wants them all to understand that you can’t just come in as you like without being vetted. Making them pay for it may seem harsh, but that’s because they have for too long just done as they please”.
Diron Thomas from Digbeth disagrees, and told the eye of media.com ” Trump is too much and doesn’t care how he is perceived. I mean targeting Muslims without caring, is plainly wrong is it not? The man wants to lecture our monarchy, basically do what he likes. He should just stay where he is”.
Birmingham was among places where protesters gathered in response to Mr Trump’s travel ban on seven countries.
Trump will have the unenviable task of justifying his policies to a skeptical U.k audience.
The billionaire property mogul is also at odds with Prince Charles over climate change and the fact he has tried to call the shots on how his time with the Royal family should be arranged. It may be a challenging trip.
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