'It's DEMEANING' Iraqi-born Tory MP condemns Trump's ban on him entering United States
AN IRAQI-BORN Tory MP has hit out against Donald Trump’s move to temporarily ban those from seven Muslim countries – including Iraq – from entering the United States.
Nadhim Zahawi: Trump's Muslim ban is 'demeaning and sad'
Nadhim Zahawi, who was born in Baghdad, said he felt "demeaned and discriminated against” after learning that, despite being a British citizen, he would be affected by President Trump’s clampdown on border controls.
He appeared on BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday and said he had been advised by lawyers that he will be barred from entering the country.
The ban sees citizens from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen temporarily barred along with all refugees.
"I don't think I have felt discriminated since little school when the kids were very cruel, as a young boy coming from Iraq of Kurdish origin,” said the Stratford-on-Avon MP, speaking on the programme.
Nadhim Zahawi called on Donald Trump to "think again" about his immigration policy
KellyAnne Conway DEFENDS Trump's Muslim Ban
I don't think I have felt discriminated since little school when the kids were very cruel, as a young boy coming from Iraq of Kurdish origin
"For the first time in my life last night I felt discriminated against, it's demeaning, it's sad."
Theresa May initially refused to criticise Mr Trump's migration policy, saying it was up to the US to decide on its own rules but later issued a statement saying she disapproved if British people would be affected.
Mr Zahawi said: "I think my Prime Minister, quite rightly, was being cautious. It was a developing story.
"I think her being careful is a good thing, but she was also very candid with President Trump."
Nadhim Zahawi said lawyers had told him he would be barred because of his place of birth
He added: "I am reassured by my Prime Minister, Theresa May's statement, because quite clearly says she disagrees with this."
He said it was wrong to turn a blind eye to the US leader’s policies and said: “I don't think we should look away when President Trump makes a mistake.”
The politician called on the billionaire tycoon to “think again” about his policy.
The comments come after a petition to block President Trump’s state visit to the UK racked up more than 200,000 signatures in the matter of hours after being backed by Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron.