Huge protests take place across UK as Trump state visit

Thousands of protesters gathered outside Parliament and across the UK this evening as MPs debated Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain.

In a packed Westminster Hall, MPs considered Theresa May’s decision to extend the invitation to the US president only seven days into his time in office.

The debate has been held in response to a petition signed by almost two million people calling on the Republican’s state visit to be halted.

Anti-Trump chants could be heard from Parliament Square before the debate, and appeared to die down as Labour MP Paul Flynn opened proceedings.

MPs are also considering an alternative petition, backed by almost 312,000 signatories, demanding the state visit goes ahead.

The Stop Trump coalition has called a nationwide day of action and dozens of protests have been co-ordinated by the One Day Without Us movement celebrating the contribution of immigrants to British society.

The rally in Parliament Square, which organisers claimed will attract more than 20,000 people, will be addressed by speakers including joint Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and comic Shappi Khorsandi.

Celebrities backing the action include singer Paloma Faith, who said: “I’m backing the protests because I believe in human rights and compassion and Trump evidently does not.”

Source: http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/20/huge-protests-takes-place-across-uk-as-mps-debate-trump-state-visit-6461789/