Don't want exemption from 'ignorant' Trump's Muslim ban: Sadiq Khan

London'S first Muslim mayor says Trump’s comments play 'into the hands of extremists'

London’s new Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday criticised Donald Trump’s suggestion he would be an exception to the US Presidential hopeful's policy to ban all Muslims.

“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,” Khan said in response to Trump's statement.

The London’s first Muslim mayor said Trump’s comments play “into the hands of extremists”. “Donald 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. Donald Trump and those around him think that western liberal values are incompatible with mainstream Islam – London has proved him wrong,” he added.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States, suggested on Monday he would make an exception for London’s newly elected Muslim mayor.

“There will always be exceptions,” the  the real estate billionaire and presumptive Republican nominee said when asked how his controversial proposal would apply to Khan.

Khan, elected London mayor on Saturday, had expressed worries that he would not be able to visit the United States were Trump elected in November.

The brash real estate billionaire -- who has alienated many Americans with insults against immigrants, Muslims and women -- welcomed Khan's election.

"I was happy to see that," he said. "I think it's a very good thing, and I hope he does a very good job because frankly that would be very, very good."

"If he does a good job, and frankly if he does a great job, that would be a terrific thing," he added.

Khan, whose parents are Pakistani immigrants, is London's first Muslim mayor.



"I want to go to America to meet with and engage with American mayors," he told Time magazine.

"If Donald Trump becomes the president I'll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith," he said, adding he was confident "Donald Trump's approach to politics" would not win.

The article originally appeared in The Independent.