Tory leader claims she’s “not afraid” to criticise President – but avoids Trump-Kahn criticism
THEY WALKED HAND IN HAND in the White House – and now Theresa May is still facing accusations from political critics for being too soft on right-wing President Donald Trump.
Following the attack on London, that left at least seven people dead, Trump sent a flurry of targetted tweets against London Mayor Sadiq Khan claiming he had given a “pathetic excuse” for calling on Londoners not to be alarmed by security operations in the city.
Trump, breaking with the standard protocol of stating full solidarity with an allied nation, caused outrage among those seeking to build unity among the pain and uncertainty of recent attacks in Manchester and London.
“He has embarrassed America and offended London. We’re owed an apology.”
Wes Streeting, standing for re-election as an MP in Ilford North, said Trump was responsible for a “cheap attack on London’s Mayor” and called on Trump’s state visit to be cancelled. “He has embarrassed America and offended London. We’re owed an apology,” he added.
However, when pressed on the issue four times Prime Minister Theresa May refused to directly confront Trump for his remarks.
“I think Sadiq is doing an excellent job,” she repeated. When asked what lengths Trump would have to go to for public condemnation, May added: “Well I’ve been very clear. I’ve been very happy to say that I think President Trump is wrong to have taken America out of the climate change agreement, out of the Paris Agreement. The UK stays in it, and we believe it is an important international agreement.”
Read more – Scottish Tories go silent over Theresa May’s prior knowledge of Trump refugee ban
May previously faced criticism from opponents for being a “lapdog” of Trump’s when she visited the White House in January. The visit coincided with Trump’s announcement of a ‘Muslim Ban’, which was then overturned by the courts. May failed to condemn the policy – but was photographed walking hand in hand with the controversial US President.
Jon Sopel, the BBC’s North America political editor, described Trump’s words following the London attack as “extraordinary”.
Picture courtesy of Karl-Ludwig Poggemann
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