Boris Johnson girlfriend Carrie Symonds ‘barred from entering the US’
Travel problems may stem from trip to Somaliland with friend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Carrie Symonds, Boris Johnson‘s girlfriend, has reportedly been refused entry to the US for a planned visit.
She had applied for permission to enter the country in the next few days as part of her role at Oceana, an environmental group, but the request was blocked by American officials, the Daily Mail reported.
It could become a source of embarrassment for Mr Johnson, who is due to meet Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France at the weekend.
The difficulty with Ms Symonds’ travel plans may be linked to a journey she made to Somaliland last year alongside her friend Nimco Ali, who campaigns against female genital mutilation.
The US does not recognise Somaliland as an independent country, categorising it instead as part of Somalia.
British applicants using the electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) scheme, which lets them spend up to 90 days in the US without a full visa, are asked whether they have visited Somalia since March 2011.
After Ms Symonds’ travel problems were reported, Ms Ali said on Twitter: “Somaliland is Africa’s best kept secret, it’s my birth place and it’s stunning.
“For 28 years without international assistance we have rebuilt our country and are the only democracy in the Horn of Africa. I am happy to personally show anyone around the land I was sourced from.”
Ms Symonds has no official role in No 10 and no taxpayer-funded support, although she has been pictured at functions in Downing Street with Mr Johnson.
Ms Symonds and Downing Street officials declined to comment.
Additional reporting by Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments