Banning Donald Trump from the UK: Everything you need to know

MPs are debating whether Mr Trump should be banned

Donald Trump might even be getting stronger (Reuters)

The British Parliament is debating banning Donald Trump from the UK. But why? Here is everything you need to know about the discussion.

Why is the British parliament discussing banning Donald Trump from the UK?

Donald Trump mingles with supporters at a rally in Biloxi, Mississippi on 2 January (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

After Donald Trump said he wanted to ban Muslims from travelling to America, over 100,000 people signed a petition for him to be banned.

Under British law, any petition with over 100,000 verified signatures is considered for debate for Parliament. A committee of MPs decided that the issue should be discussed.

Will Parliament vote to ban him?

Donald Trump (AP)

There will not be a vote at the end of a debate – it is a discussion only.

So can he actually be banned?

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the crowd during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Reuters)

The Home Secretary (the UK’s minister for the interior) has powers to ban individuals who pose a risk to security of spread hatred.

The Home Office (her department) has tried to bar far-right politicians who advocate similar views about Islam before but any more to do so would likely be open to legal challenge.

What if Donald Trump becomes the US President?

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 21 (AP)

Legally, this would not be a problem. Heads of state have been banned from entering the UK before – Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe, is currently banned.

However, the US’s alliance with the UK would likely make this difficult to sustain.

What does the Government think of this?

Donald Trump addressing a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 21 (Reuters)

David Cameron says Mr Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims were “divisive, stupid, and wrong” but has said he would not ban Mr Trump. Mr Cameron is a Conservative.

What about the left-wing opposition?

Donald Trump gives a speech as he announces his candidacy for the U.S. presidency at Trump Tower (Getty Images)

Jeremy Corbyn has said he would not ban Donald Trump – but instead invite him to pay a visit to a mosque in his local area to educate him on the reality of Islam.

How long is the debate?

Republican presidential candidate businessman Donald Trump gestures during the Republican Presidential Debate, hosted by CNN, at The Venetian Las Vegas

The debate will last for three hours.

Why is the room different to the normal British Parliament?

Donald Trump: ‘I can’t wash my hair … It’s a disaster!’ (Getty)

Because it’s not a legislative debate it’s taking place in a side room, called Westminster Hall.