Amber Rudd strengthened the government’s opposition to Donald Trump’s travel ban yesterday by saying that it risked becoming a “propaganda opportunity” for Islamic State.

The home secretary said that the decision to impose a temporary ban on people from seven mainly Muslim countries entering the US was “divisive and wrong”.

She extended the government’s criticism of the president’s approach amid a public backlash against the policy. Theresa May is under pressure to withdraw an invitation for Mr Trump to make a state visit this year.

In the strongest attack from a minister on Mr Trump’s policy, Ms Rudd said that it could be exploited by Isis militants.

“Isil and Daesh will use any opportunity they can to make difficulties, to create the environment they want,