PROTESTERS from Lyme Regis have taken to the streets to voice their displeasure for President Trump's "inhumane" decision to ban refugees from entering the United States.

Demonstrations took place around the world after President Trump signed an executive order halting the US refugee programme for 120 days and indefinitely banning Syrian refugees.

It also suspended all nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries entering the US.

Rikey Austin, owner of Alice's Bear Shop, attended the demonstration in Exeter.

She said: "I cannot imagine being in that position, running away from a shattered town with my children and a handful of possessions, in fear of our lives.

"The ban disallowing anyone from these seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States, is inhumane and it will not stop acts of terror."

Tracey West, a sustainable living author and CEO of The World Forest Organisation, described the refugee situation as "dire".

She said: "Trump's executive orders are putting some travellers directly in harm's way and leaving many destitute too.

"Incredibly well attended gatherings opposing the Trump administration have been taking place all over the planet. They have purpose by raising awareness through great speakers, they're wonderfully visual and incredible empowering, but there are lots of silent actions taking place too, including a mounting list of legal challenges.

"My placard thanked Donald Trump for waking the world up. His actions have stirred countless millions of people into direct peaceful action, many of whom have never protested against anything in their lives."

Simon West, environmentalist and co-founder of Frack Free Lyme Regis said the protest was a chance to "stand up for your principles".

He added: "President Trump's executive order will not stop terrorists, but it definitely will harm refugees and businesses. The people we met at the protest were from the UK and many other countries, united in the belief that first and foremost, we should help others in such dire need."

A petition calling on Theresa May to call off Mr Trump's State Visit to the UK following an outcry over the so called "Muslim ban" has gained the support of 1.7million signatures and will be debated in parliament later this month.

But West Dorset MP Sir Oliver Letwin has that the ban "does not merit the type of response it has evoked in some quarters".

Sir Oliver said: “So far as the ban is concerned, there appears to have been some serious misreporting. This is not, as I understand it, a ban on Muslims. It is, rather, a temporary ban on those seeking to enter the US who are nationals of seven specific countries where terrorist cells particularly originate – and is to remain in place only for a few months while a system of developed vetting is put in place.

"So far as the policy in general is concerned, I think we should resist using intemperate or inaccurate language to describe the action that Mr Trump has taken. It may or may not be a wise policy; but it certainly does not merit the type of response that it has evoked in some quarters."