Harrow-born Dev Patel condemned Donal Trump’s travel ban as “divisive” and “terrible”.

The star of Lion and Slumdog Millionaire said it was “devastating” that the new President of the United States had banned entry to the USA from seven Muslim majority countries.

Dev, who grew up in Rayners Lane and attended Longfield Primary School and Whitemore High School, was one of many Hollywood stars at last night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards who took the opportunity to condemn the order.

Speaking on the red carpet he said: “I just flew in from India a day ago and when I heard the news it was utterly devastating.

“I mean, the first image that went through my head was these women and children turning up to these shores with hope in their hearts and just being turned away.

“It’s just horrible. It’s divisive. I hope something changes and something can be done because it really is terrible.

“It’s really sad that the voice of divisiveness can prevail over the one of unity. I’m glad that there’s people on the streets with courage to be out there expressing love.”

The order prevents entry to the country from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen but is vague enough to include US citizens and green card holders.

Dev was at the ceremony last night having been nominated for best supporting actor but the award went to Mahershala Ali for his role in Moonlight, he still has an Oscar nomination for the role in his sights.

Just last week he discussed his Oscar nomination with the Harrow Times Dev said: “Lion reaffirms the message that love is not dictated by the colour of your skin, not by race, gender, sexuality, social status, or origin.

"It is a message I am proud to be spreading during these uncertain times. This will forever be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”