Ukip leader defends Republican presidential candidate

Nigel Farage: Brits have ‘over-reacted’ to Donald Trump’s Muslim ban

Nigel Farage: Brits have ‘over-reacted’ to Donald Trump’s Muslim ban

British people have "over-reacted" to a call by US presidential candidate Donald Trump, for all Muslims to be banned from entering the country, Nigel Farage said today.

The Ukip leader said a petition to ban Trump from entering the UK were "ridiculous" and a "massive over-reaction".

"[Trump] hasn't encouraged anyone to be shot, maimed, or killed," he told LBC's Nick Ferrari.

"He has in response to what is a very serious situation, gone over the top…"

"Trump is over the top, but to think we could ban somebody who could be the next president of America is absolutely ridiculous."

He said Trump shouldn't be "tarred and feathered" for his comments.

Farage also defended Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury over calls for him to be removed as a candidate for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, due to his homophobic and sexist views.

"The traveller community… have a moral code that is remarkably strong," he said.

"People should be able to have their views."

He predicted that Fury would win the competition to be SPOTY, despite the protests.

"It's all the same people who want to ban Donald Trump… It's all going to backfire. Get down to Ladbrokes because Tyson Fury is going to win."