London’s Muslim mayor rubbishes ‘ignorant’ Trump’s offer

On May 10, London’s first Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan hit out at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for saying that he would exempt him from his proposed temporary ban on Muslims entering the US.

Mr Trump’s proposed ban on Muslim visitors to the US, in the wake of Islamist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino last year, was condemned by both the US and world leaders. On May 9, Mr Trump told The New York Times that he was happy to see Mr Khan elected as the Mayor of London. “There will always be exceptions”, he said in a patronizing tone.

Mr Khan said that Mr Trump’s temporary ban directly affected those closest to him, and making an exception for him was not the answer. “This isn’t just about me—it’s about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world”, he said.

Mr Khan said earlier this week that he wanted to go to the US to share ideas with the Mayor of New York Bill de Blasio and the Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel. “If Donald Trump becomes the President, I’ll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith”, he told the Time magazine.

Further, he disparaged Mr Trump’s racially-charged campaign, comparing it to the tactics of his Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith. “Trump’s ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe—it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists”, the 44-year old newly elected Mayor said.

Mr Khan told the BBC that he is supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House. “I hope she trounces him (Trump)”, he said. Ms Clinton was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Mr Khan on his victory last week, tweeting “Son of a Pakistani bus driver, champion of workers’ rights and human rights, and now Mayor of London. Congrats Sadiq Khan”.

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