Menu
12/02/2009
Banned Dutch Politician Refused Entry Into UK
A right-wing Dutch politician who described the Koran as a "fascist book" has been turned away at Heathrow Airport, after attempting to defy a ban on entering the United Kingdom.
Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to Westminster to show his controversial 17-minute film 'Fitna' - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - by a member of the House of Lords.
However, the Home Office banned the MP on Tuesday, claiming his opinions "would threaten public security".
Immigration officials denied the Dutch MP entry to the country after the Government decided he should not be allowed to attend a screening of the film tonight.
The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on the far-right politician entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.
The Home Office added: "The Government opposes extremism in all its forms.
"It will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country and that was the driving force behind tighter rules on exclusions for unacceptable behaviour that the Home Secretary announced in October last year."
Before boarding the British Midlands flight from Amsterdam this afternoon, brandishing his passport and boarding pass, he said he would have to be physically restrained from entering Britain.
"I'll see what happens at the border. Let them put me in handcuffs," he said.
At 2.20pm, Mr Wilders was escorted through UK immigration by two plain-clothed officers and into the offices of the UK border agency.
As he approached passport control, Mr Wilders was asked if he was nervous. He replied: "I'm not nervous. I'm just anxious to find out what will happen to me. Is this how Great Britain welcomes a democrat?"
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Verhagen had earlier condemned the decision.
Mr Verhagen called upon Foreign Secretary David Milliband to protest at the situation, saying: "The fact that a Dutch parliamentarian is refused entry to another EU country is highly regrettable."
Meanwhile, the Muslim Council of Britain has called Mr Wilders "an open and relentless preacher of hate".
It added: "We have no problem with the challenge of criticisms to our faith, but the film... is nothing less than a cheap and tacky attempt to whip up hysteria against Muslims."
(JM/BMcC)
Freedom Party MP Geert Wilders was invited to Westminster to show his controversial 17-minute film 'Fitna' - which links the Islamic holy book to terrorism - by a member of the House of Lords.
However, the Home Office banned the MP on Tuesday, claiming his opinions "would threaten public security".
Immigration officials denied the Dutch MP entry to the country after the Government decided he should not be allowed to attend a screening of the film tonight.
The Home Office said there was a blanket ban on the far-right politician entering the UK under EU laws enabling member states to exclude someone whose presence could threaten public security.
The Home Office added: "The Government opposes extremism in all its forms.
"It will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country and that was the driving force behind tighter rules on exclusions for unacceptable behaviour that the Home Secretary announced in October last year."
Before boarding the British Midlands flight from Amsterdam this afternoon, brandishing his passport and boarding pass, he said he would have to be physically restrained from entering Britain.
"I'll see what happens at the border. Let them put me in handcuffs," he said.
At 2.20pm, Mr Wilders was escorted through UK immigration by two plain-clothed officers and into the offices of the UK border agency.
As he approached passport control, Mr Wilders was asked if he was nervous. He replied: "I'm not nervous. I'm just anxious to find out what will happen to me. Is this how Great Britain welcomes a democrat?"
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Verhagen had earlier condemned the decision.
Mr Verhagen called upon Foreign Secretary David Milliband to protest at the situation, saying: "The fact that a Dutch parliamentarian is refused entry to another EU country is highly regrettable."
Meanwhile, the Muslim Council of Britain has called Mr Wilders "an open and relentless preacher of hate".
It added: "We have no problem with the challenge of criticisms to our faith, but the film... is nothing less than a cheap and tacky attempt to whip up hysteria against Muslims."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2015
More Than 250kg Of Drugs Found Inside Fake Ambulance
A total of 270kg of illegal drugs have been found hidden inside secret compartments in a fake ambulance.
More Than 250kg Of Drugs Found Inside Fake Ambulance
A total of 270kg of illegal drugs have been found hidden inside secret compartments in a fake ambulance.
29 April 2008
Profits Soar At BP And Shell
Oil giants Royal Dutch Shell and BP have made massive combined profits of more than £7 billion over the last three months. The companies continue to benefit from higher oil and gas prices. BP reported first quarter profits of £3.32 billion and Shell recorded profits of £3.92 billion.
Profits Soar At BP And Shell
Oil giants Royal Dutch Shell and BP have made massive combined profits of more than £7 billion over the last three months. The companies continue to benefit from higher oil and gas prices. BP reported first quarter profits of £3.32 billion and Shell recorded profits of £3.92 billion.
17 April 2009
Green 'Warned Of Life In Prison' Over Home Office Leaks
The Conservative MP who was arrested during an inquiry into Home Office leaks, was warned he would face life imprisonment, he has revealed.
Green 'Warned Of Life In Prison' Over Home Office Leaks
The Conservative MP who was arrested during an inquiry into Home Office leaks, was warned he would face life imprisonment, he has revealed.
04 June 2015
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
Ministers Must Be 'Better Informed' On Police Cuts - NAO
The Home Office needs to be "better informed" on how to reduce police force funding in England and Wales, according to a recent report. The National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed funding decreased by £2.3 billion (25%) to police and crime commissioners between 2010-11 and 2015-16.
13 May 2004
Inquiry demanded after theft of sensitive Carr documents
The Tories have called for an immediate inquiry after it emerged last night that documentation concerning the new identity of Maxine Carr had been stolen from a car owned by a Home Office official.
Inquiry demanded after theft of sensitive Carr documents
The Tories have called for an immediate inquiry after it emerged last night that documentation concerning the new identity of Maxine Carr had been stolen from a car owned by a Home Office official.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
