Tough Measures Banning 'Preachers Of Hate' Introduced

Tougher measures that would prevent extremists from entering Britain have been outlined by the Home Secretary today.

The new rules, announced by Jacqui Smith, will make it easier to exclude those who would enter the UK with the intentions of stirring up religious or racial hatred. The move will cover animal rights extremists, anti-abortionists, neo-Nazi's and extremist clerics.

Since 2005, 230 people have been banned from Britain on grounds of national security and for "unacceptable types of behaviour". Around 80 of these people have been religious extremists.

Previously, their identities of those excluded had been kept unknown, but they were revealed when they publicly complained about the decision against them.

For the first time the Government will "name and shame" so-called "preachers of hate", and share the exclusions list with other countries.

The Home Secretary said: "Through these tough new measures I will stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country.

"Coming to the UK is a privilege and I refuse to extend that privilege to individuals who abuse our standards and values to undermine our way of life."

Omar Bakri Mohammed, a radical Muslim cleric, was banned from the UK following the July 7 bombings, while Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan - from the US - was excluded in 2002, and Yusuf al-Qaradawi was banned earlier this year after being described as a "dangerous and divisive" preacher by Tory leader, David Cameron.

(JM)