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Anti Trump protesters to meet in Dumfries

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By Fiona Reid
Annan and Eskdale
Anti Trump protesters to meet in Dumfries

PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s UK visit, which starts today, has sparked an official protest taking place in Dumfries this afternoon.

Dumfries Trades Union Council will be co-ordinating a protest at 5.30pm at the Robert Burns statue in Church Square, against the American premier’s visit.

The group’s chairwoman, Sandra Trotter, said: “Donald Trump has proved himself to be every bit as appalling a US President as might have been expected from his 2016 election campaign.

“His denial of climate change, his belligerent trade wars and his withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran are just three of the ways in which he is destabilising the world and threatening the security and safety of billions of people across the planet.”

She added: “And this is without considering his disgusting attitude towards – and treatment of – migrant families at the US border.

“Because of these threats we have a right – like other people across the globe – to say he is not welcome in our country, and we invite all those who share our view to come along and join us on Friday July 13, the day he is scheduled to meet Theresa May, from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, at the Burns statue in Dumfries town centre.”

Protests against Trump’s visit are being supported by trade unions, political parties, and equality, faith and community groups throughout Scotland, with major rallies in Glasgow on Friday and Edinburgh on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Scottish Secretary and Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell will formally greet the President and First Lady when they touch down in Prestwick airport later today.

He said: “I am looking forward to greeting Mr Trump on behalf of the UK Government. The UK and the USA have longstanding and important cultural, trade and security bonds. The President’s visit is an opportunity to strengthen vital links with one of our most important global allies.

“The President’s Scots heritage is well known, and I hope he enjoys his visit to Scotland.”

It also emerged this week that police officers from Dumfries and Galloway have been drafted in to help with the presidential visit.

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