US bars family of 11 UK Muslims from Disneyland trip
Cameron to investigate after Londoners were turned back as they prepared to board their plane to Los Angeles
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Prime Minister David Cameron’s office said he will investigate a lawmaker’s claim that US officials prevented a British Muslim family from flying to Disneyland for a planned holiday.
Stella Creasy, a member of the opposition Labour Party, said US officials gave no explanation for refusing to allow her constituents to board a flight from Gatwick Airport on December 15. She told The Guardian newspaper this is part of a larger pattern affecting British Muslims, and that a lack of information from US officials is sparking resentment among Muslims who feel discriminated against.
The 11 family members, from Walthamstow in northeast London, were about to board a Norwegian Airlines flight to Los Angeles when US Department of Homeland Security told them their authorization to travel had been canceled, The Telegraph reported.
The father, Mohammad Tariq Mahmood, said no reason was given. He said that “because of the attacks on America” apparently “they think every Muslim poses a threat.”
The family said it spent 9,000 pounds (some $13,500) on their tickets, and that it was not refunded.
The issue is sensitive in part because US presidential contender Donald Trump has called for a temporary ban on Muslims visiting the US due to concerns about extremist attacks.
Creasy’s office told The Associated Press Wednesday that she had written to Cameron seeking his intervention. She said that US officials who kept the family from boarding provided no information and said she had hit “a brick wall” seeking information about the case.
Creasy told the prime minister there is “growing fear” among British Muslims that aspects of Trump’s plans are coming into practice even though they have been widely condemned.
She warned that some Muslims believe the public condemnation of Trump’s position “contrasts with what is going on in practice.”
Cameron’s office said he would look into the matter. He had earlier characterized Trump’s policy as “divisive and wrong.”
US Embassy officials declined immediate comment Wednesday.
The Times of Israel Community.