MPs call for Franklin Graham to be banned from UK ahead of Blackpool visit

Over 5,000 people have signed a petition stating he shouldn’t be allowed into the country.

They claim he has homophobic and islamophobic views and is “likely to promote prejudice and hatred”.

The preacher, who’s the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham, is due to speak at Blackpool’s Festival of Hope at the city’s Winter Gardens in September next year.

But after recent endorsements of Donald Trump and what has been seen as inflammatory statements about Islam, many are unhappy about the visit.

Labour MP Gordon Marsden is calling on the home secretary to refuse him entry into the UK.

Speaking to BBC Lancashire, he said some of his previous comments were “incompatible with what Jesus said in the Bible”.

His visit is however is being supported by many local church leaders.

Franklin Graham has led evangelism events across the world in his role as president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

He’s also reached millions of people through his aid work with the charity Samaritans Purse.

In a statement to Premier, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said: “The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is working in partnership with local churches to hold this event next year in Blackpool.

“It will be a positive and encouraging event with music and also a message from Franklin Graham about the hope that can be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It will be free and everyone is invited to attend.”