Menu
05/08/2005
Blair outlines plans to tackle extremists
Prime Minister Tony Blair has outlined a series of tough security measures to tackle religious extremists.
Mr Blair announced that the government was launching a one-month consultation on new grounds for excluding and deporting people from the UK, at his monthly media briefing.
These would include fostering hatred, advocating violence to further a person’s beliefs or justifying or validating such violence.
Mr Blair also said that new anti-terror legislation would be introduced in the autumn, which would include an offence of condoning or glorifying terrorism, which would apply anywhere, not just in the UK.
The Prime Minister also said that a list of extremist website, bookshops and centres would be compiled and those involved with them could face deportation.
He also announced that the measures included plans to automatically refuse asylum to anyone connected to terrorism.
Mr Blair warned that the government was prepared to amend human rights laws in order to introduce the new measures. He said: “Let no one be in any doubt that the rules of the games are changing.”
Under the new measures, Muslim groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir and the now-disbanded Al Muhajiroun, would also be banned.
The Muslim Council of Britain criticised the decision saying that Hizb ut-Tahrir were “an avowedly non-violent group”. Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General, said: The MCB hold no brief for Hizb ut-Tahrir – they are a group with whom the mainstream Muslim community has strong and well known disagreements concerning participation in our political process. However, banning Hizb ut-Tahrir is certainly not the solution and may well prove to be counterproductive.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also expressed concerns about the measures. Mr Kennedy said: “The Prime Minister intends to ban Muslim organisations, seek powers to close down mosques, and deport people who visit particular bookshops or websites. He is running the risk of inflaming tensions and alienating Muslims at the very time we need the different communities in Britain to pull together.
“The Liberal Democrats will examine the detail of these measures, but the Prime Minister should not count on our support.”
However, the Conservatives welcomed the measures. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: “It is vital that the Home Secretary is able to use his powers to deport or exclude non-UK citizens who threaten our national security - we have been calling for him to use these for some time. There is no reason why they cannot be applied as soon as possible.”
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Blair announced that the government was launching a one-month consultation on new grounds for excluding and deporting people from the UK, at his monthly media briefing.
These would include fostering hatred, advocating violence to further a person’s beliefs or justifying or validating such violence.
Mr Blair also said that new anti-terror legislation would be introduced in the autumn, which would include an offence of condoning or glorifying terrorism, which would apply anywhere, not just in the UK.
The Prime Minister also said that a list of extremist website, bookshops and centres would be compiled and those involved with them could face deportation.
He also announced that the measures included plans to automatically refuse asylum to anyone connected to terrorism.
Mr Blair warned that the government was prepared to amend human rights laws in order to introduce the new measures. He said: “Let no one be in any doubt that the rules of the games are changing.”
Under the new measures, Muslim groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir and the now-disbanded Al Muhajiroun, would also be banned.
The Muslim Council of Britain criticised the decision saying that Hizb ut-Tahrir were “an avowedly non-violent group”. Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General, said: The MCB hold no brief for Hizb ut-Tahrir – they are a group with whom the mainstream Muslim community has strong and well known disagreements concerning participation in our political process. However, banning Hizb ut-Tahrir is certainly not the solution and may well prove to be counterproductive.”
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also expressed concerns about the measures. Mr Kennedy said: “The Prime Minister intends to ban Muslim organisations, seek powers to close down mosques, and deport people who visit particular bookshops or websites. He is running the risk of inflaming tensions and alienating Muslims at the very time we need the different communities in Britain to pull together.
“The Liberal Democrats will examine the detail of these measures, but the Prime Minister should not count on our support.”
However, the Conservatives welcomed the measures. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: “It is vital that the Home Secretary is able to use his powers to deport or exclude non-UK citizens who threaten our national security - we have been calling for him to use these for some time. There is no reason why they cannot be applied as soon as possible.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2005
Muslim schoolgirl wins court case
The Appeal Court has ruled that a Muslim schoolgirl was unlawfully excluded from school because she wore traditional Muslim dress instead of the school uniform. Shabina Begum was sent home from Denbigh High School in Luton, because she was wearing a full-length traditional Muslim gown, known as a jilbab.
Muslim schoolgirl wins court case
The Appeal Court has ruled that a Muslim schoolgirl was unlawfully excluded from school because she wore traditional Muslim dress instead of the school uniform. Shabina Begum was sent home from Denbigh High School in Luton, because she was wearing a full-length traditional Muslim gown, known as a jilbab.
25 January 2005
Police watchdog 'calls in' anti-terror police complaints
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed that it will review any complaints or conduct matters that arise from arrests made under anti-terrorist legislation.
Police watchdog 'calls in' anti-terror police complaints
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed that it will review any complaints or conduct matters that arise from arrests made under anti-terrorist legislation.
09 September 2008
Top Muslim Cop Suspended Amid Race Case
Britain's top muslim cop has been suspended from duties amid the furore of a high profile race discrimination tribunal. Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
Top Muslim Cop Suspended Amid Race Case
Britain's top muslim cop has been suspended from duties amid the furore of a high profile race discrimination tribunal. Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been put on "authorised leave" from the Metropolitan Police, over fears the media coverage of the case could compromise the "operational effectiveness" of the force.
08 February 2007
Terror suspect criticises investigation
One of the two terror suspects released without charge by police investigating an alleged plot to kidnap and murder a British Muslim soldier has criticised the police investigation.
Terror suspect criticises investigation
One of the two terror suspects released without charge by police investigating an alleged plot to kidnap and murder a British Muslim soldier has criticised the police investigation.
31 October 2006
Prince’s Peshawar trip cancelled
Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall are to remain in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad over security concerns. The couple were scheduled to visit the north western town of Peshawar, but furious Muslim leaders have called for protests across the country following a major security operation in the region by the Pakistani military.
Prince’s Peshawar trip cancelled
Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall are to remain in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad over security concerns. The couple were scheduled to visit the north western town of Peshawar, but furious Muslim leaders have called for protests across the country following a major security operation in the region by the Pakistani military.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
