CAMPAIGNERS took to the steps of Bolton Town Hall this evening to protest Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK.

The demonstrators joined a nationwide day of action, as MPs debated a petition signed by more than 1.85 million people calling for the visit to be stripped of the trappings of a state occasion in order to avoid causing “embarrassment” to the Queen.

The event, which was attended by around 20 people, was organised by the Bolton Stands Up to Racism group and also called on the government to protect the rights of EU migrants living in the UK after Brexit, as well as UK residents living in EU countries.

Shana Begum, Bolton Stands up to Racism co-ordinator, said: “My view is that Brexit and Donald Trump have created a lot of divisions in communities.

“It is not fair for residents, not fair for migrants, not fair for anyone.

“I think it is important that we take a stand and say that his divisive, bullying behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The protest, supported by Bolton Green Party and other organisations, was replicated in towns and cities across the UK, including in Manchester and outside Parliament.

Alan Johnson, Saj Khan, and Shana Begum

Alan Johnson, leader of the Bolton Green Party, said: “I would rather Donald Trump didn’t come here at all, but that isn’t what the campaign is about.

“We do not think a state visit is appropriate, especially so early into his presidency.

“This is part of a national day of action happening across the country and we wanted to organise something in Bolton rather than people having to go into Manchester.

“We have support from a broad spectrum of people and we have had a lot of members of the public coming to talk to us about this.

“I and a lot of people feel that the world is a very unstable place at the moment, with things like the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s election.”

MPs were also considering an alternative petition, backed by almost 312,000 signatories, demanding the state visit goes ahead. In its official response to the petitions, the Government stressed ministers believe “the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a State Visit.”