Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the UK as outrage over Donald Trump's controversial travel ban continues.

Prime Minister Theresa May has come under pressure to toughen her stance towards the US President after he closed the country's borders to people from seven Muslim-majority nations.

Thousands of activists gathered opposite the gates of Downing Street in central London, turning one of the capital's most recognisable streets into a sea of placards.

Similar protests also took place in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham.

Americans in UK protest against Trump's travel ban

Traffic came to a standstill in Whitehall as the sprawling crowd spilled into the road.


Chants including "Donald Trump has to go" could be heard rippling throughout the evening.

Metres away from the door of Number 10 chants of "shame on May" echoed throughout the crowd.

Addressing the crowd, one Muslim refugee said: "America is a beacon of democracy and peace, but Trump's action will tear the fabric of American society.

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"We call on all peace-loving individuals to stand firm and oppose all racist and xenophobic action."

Speakers from across the political spectrum addressed those gathered in London, alongside campaigners and performers.

One of those who attended was former Labour leader Ed Miliband, who told Sky News: "There's very, very strong feeling about this because I think people think it is at odds with the values of our country and indeed the values of the civilised world.

"And I really hope Theresa May hears this message loud and clear.

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"I think there has been a real outpouring of anger from people in the country over the last three days and I hope she gets that message."

There were similar scenes across the country, with huge crowds in the shadow of landmarks such as Manchester Town Hall and Grey's Monument in Newcastle.

Thousands also turned out in Scotland, with the largest protests in Glasgow and Edinburgh, while there were smaller events in Aberdeen and Dundee.

In Nottingham, hundreds gathered at Speakers Corner to protest.

People held banners with messages including "I'm Syrian Not A Terrorist" and "Trump: Make America Hate Again".

The demonstrations came as a petition calling for Mr Trump's state visit to be scrapped reached well over a million signatures.

Downing Street is standing firm on the decision to extend an invitation to Mr Trump on behalf of Buckingham Palace, saying: "We look forward to hosting the President later this year."

Earlier on Monday, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told Parliament the ban would make "no difference" to British passport holders.

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