British MP says US denied boarding to Muslim family

London - 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.

By AP

Published: Wed 23 Dec 2015, 2:14 PM

Last updated: Wed 23 Dec 2015, 9:56 PM

Prime Minister David Cameron's office says 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, says 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 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 complained that US officials who kept the family from boarding provided no information and complained 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 characterised Trump's policy as "divisive and wrong."
US Embassy officials declined immediate comment Wednesday.