Theresa May says there's 'no equivalence' between fascists and their opponents after Donald Trump's Charlottesville comments

Prime Minister Theresa May (Ben Stansall/PA Wire)

THERESA MAY has criticised Donald Trump for not singling out white supremacists for criticism following deadly unrest in Virginia, insisting there is “no equivalence” between fascists and their opponents.

The Prime Minister spoke out after the US President failed to condemn far-right demonstrators outright for violence in Charlottesville in which a woman was killed.

Mr Trump claimed “there is blame on all sides”, apparently equating the actions of far-right demonstrators with those protesting against them.

But Mrs May said: “I see no equivalence between those who propound fascist views and those who oppose them. I think it is important for all those in positions of responsibility to condemn far-right views wherever we hear them.”

Donald Trump criticised by Scottish party leaders over Charlottesville remarks

Asked about Mr Trump’s comments in the wake of the violence, Mrs May told reporters in Portsmouth: “As I made clear at the weekend following the horrendous scenes that we saw in Charlottesville, I absolutely abhor the racism,the hatred and the violence that we have seen portrayed by these groups.

“The United Kingdom has taken action to ban far-right groups here, we have proscribed certain far- right groups here in the United Kingdom.

“And there is no equivalence.”

Many UK politicians have already responded to Mr Trump’s remarks.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “When the likes of [Former KKK leader] David Duke praise you, you are on the wrong side. There are no ‘fine’ Nazis. We must all stand firm against far right.”

Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson tweeted: “The President of the United States has just turned his face to the world to defend Nazis, fascists and racists. For shame.”

And Scottish Greens co-convener Patrick Harvie wrote: “He’s every bit the thug we all expected. We must call on all governments to hold him in contempt and stand with the people he threatens.”