DUDLEY Council’s leader is among thousands of people across the borough who have added their names to a petition calling for newly-elected US president Donald Trump to be banned from making a state visit to the UK.

After just over a week in office – President Trump has sparked outrage across the world with his executive order which temporarily prevents people from seven Muslim-majority nations entering the United States.

With the news media awash with reports of protests over the decision - people across the Dudley borough have been quick to add their names to a petition calling on the UK government to ban Mr Trump from his proposed first state visit to the UK.

Among those adding their signatures to the petition was Labour councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, who said: “I think we need to take a stand when individuals are coming out with divisive policies that will have an impact on citizens.”

The Lye and Stourbridge North councillor said he “very proudly signed the petition, shared the petition and encouraged other people to do the same”.

He is among more than 1,000 people in Stourbridge who have signed the 1million plus name petition, which has also been signed by more than 600 in the Dudley South constituency, more than 700 in Dudley North and more than 900 in Halesowen and Rowley Regis. 

And he added: “If the state visit goes ahead and there’s an opportunity to make my opinion heard I’d certainly undertake my democratic right to do so.”

As well as putting in place a 90-day visa suspension for people arriving in the US from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen – President Trump’s executive order also suspends the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days and includes an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees.

Mr Trump, however, has stressed on his Facebook page that it is “not a Muslim ban”.

He said: "This is not about religion - this is about terror and keeping our country safe.

“There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order.

"We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days."

Prime Minister Theresa May has reportedly stated Britain does not agree with the approach being taken but said immigration policy in the US was “a matter for the government of the United States” and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has issued a statement saying the Presidential executive order only applies to individuals travelling from one of the seven named countries.

Cradley's MP Margot James said of the matter: “Strong ties with the US are important to the UK, and the enduring relationship between our two countries allows us to speak plainly when there are differences in approach. The Prime Minister has been clear that the UK Government does not agree with these restrictions.

“The Foreign Secretary has personally sought assurances from the US Government on a number of key points regarding the travel status of UK nationals travelling between affected countries and the US, and also those who hold dual nationality.

“I am pleased that the US has reaffirmed its commitment to the expeditious processing of all travellers from the UK.

“The UK Government will continue to work closely with the US since this is in our mutual interest. The President’s state visit to the UK will be an important opportunity to raise and discuss matters such as trade, migration, the Middle East and NATO.”

To sign the petition click here and to see how many people have signed in your area click here.