Barnet MPs have condemned Donald Trump’s latest executive order as “deplorable” but said the “private persuasion” of Theresa May could turn the tide.

Over the weekend, the US president signed an executive order which would clamp down on immigration to the States, specifically blocking movement from seven Muslim-majority countries.

In response to the order, a petition to Parliament calling to cancel an upcoming state visit to the UK from Mr Trump has gain over 1 million signatures and counting.

The order suspends America’s refugee admissions system for 120 days, its Syrian refugee programme indefinitely and bans entry from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

Mike Freer, MP for Finchley, spoke out against Mr Trump’s latest policy but said a state visit should go forward in a statement for the Times Series.

He said: “I have consistently and publicly said Trump’s polices are deplorable and will backfire.

However, shouting at him doesn’t work – he thrives on adverse publicity and it entrenches his support amongst his voters.

“The private persuasion provided by the prime minister appears to work, such as in his reversal on NATO and torture.

“If we value tolerance and freedom of religion then let him come to the UK and see how a vibrant diverse country works.”

MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers, former secretary for Northern Ireland, concurred with Mr Freer’s stance.

She said: “I do not agree with the policy, it is wrong and needs to be changed. 

“I am reassured by the government's response it will not affect UK nationals or anyone travelling from the UK. 

“Although I understand the position of those wishing to bar him, change comes through diplomatic engagement not outright refusal to engage."

Matthew Offord, MP for Hendon, agreed the state visit should be utilised to "influence and persuade" Mr Trump away from the controversial policy.

He said: “While this order from President Trump should not come as a surprise – it is what he said he would do – I believe the policy will be counter-productive as it is likely to act as a recruiting sergeant for terrorist organisations.

"But withdrawing the invitation to visit the UK could also back-fire as it would simply mean  areas of policy in which we disagreed, such as the travel ban, would continue unchecked.

"The UK often engages with leaders and governments with whom we do not agree - but we do so in order to try and influence and persuade them to the contrary.”

London mayor Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a major western city, told Sky News he thought the ban was “shameful” and called on Mrs May to block his state visit.

He said: “I am quite clear, this ban is cruel, this ban is shameful, while this ban is in place we should not be rolling out the red carpet for President Trump.

“I don’t think he should be coming on a state visit while the ban is in place, I couldn’t be clearer.

“I’m pleased the Prime Minister has now said she and the government do not agree with President Trump's policy, which will affect many British citizens who have dual nationality, including Londoners born in countries affected by the ban.

“I will work with the government on behalf of Londoners affected.”

A statement from 10 Downing Street said they “extended the invitation” to Mr Trump and “it has been accepted”.