Scotland and the USA have deep ties which have long been based on our shared values. It is our duty to speak up for these values, which include tolerance, equality and providing refuge for those in need. The refugee crisis has not gone away and people are still fleeing persecution and war.
My SNP colleagues and I believe that we should be crystal clear in opposing the imposition of blanket bans on people on the basis of their birthplace, nationality or religion because it is divisive and fails to distinguish between appropriate measures to deal with extremism and the millions of people who wish to go about their lives in peace and safety.
Therefore, it is our view that it would be wrong for a state visit by President Trump to go ahead whilst his administration maintains a blanket ban on refugees and the citizens of certain countries travelling to the United States.
