British Muslim family heading towards Disneyland stopped by US authorities

A British Muslim family on their way to Disneyland was barred from boarding a flight to Los Angeles by US authorities at London’s Gatwick airport amid concerns of an American overreaction to the perceived terrorist threat.

It comes after an imam who has preached against extremism was prevented from boarding a flight in similar circumstances, though he had previously travelled to the US.

According to reports a family of 11, from Ms Creasy’s Walthamstow constituency in north east London had planned a holiday to Disneyland in California, saving thousands of pounds for the trip.

Their dream shatters when they were stopped to board the Norwegian Airlines flight and they were approached by officials from the US Department of Homeland Security, who told them their authorization to travel had been cancelled.

The father, Mohammad Tariq Mahmood, said no reason was given as to why they could not board the flight, even though the family were allowed to under the Visa Waiver programme, which authorises travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.

However US Department of Homeland Security officials give no explanation for why the country refused to allow the family to board the plane.

Senior politicians have been drawn into the case, warning that a growing number of British Muslims are being barred from the US without being told the reason for their exclusion.

Comments by the Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump calling for a ban on all Muslims entering the US have also contributed to the tense atmosphere.

The case of the family from London who were turned back at the airport has been raised by the British Labour MP Stella Creasy, who believes a lack of information from US authorities is fuelling resentment within British Muslim communities.

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to examine the case after it was raised by Mr Mahmood’s MP.