Friday, August 05, 2005
British/Presidential RhetIraq: P.M. Blair
Who: UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
Source: Guardian UK
Quotes:
Note: Bolding is mine.
Tony Blair today set out a 12-point anti-terror plan that could see foreign nationals deported for encouraging terrorism.
The prime minister also announced bans on two Islamist organisations, and consultation on a new power to close places of worship used as centres for fomenting extremism.
The Home Office later proposed a list of "unacceptable behaviour" which said foreign nationals who ran websites, published material or misused a position such as teacher or youth leader could be deported from Britain if they incited, justified or glorified terrorism, or advocated violence in support of their beliefs.
British nationals could be put under control orders for the same activities.
"Let there be no doubt," he said in Downing Street, "the rules of the game are changing".
Mr. Blair added that the government was prepared to amend the Human Rights Act in respect of interpretation of the article three of the European convention on human rights if legal obstacles arise.
"Once the new grounds take effect, there will be a list drawn up of specific extremist websites, bookshops, centres, networks and particular organisations of concern," Mr Blair said. "Active engagement with any of these will be a trigger for the home secretary to consider the deportation of any foreign national."
Mr. Blair, who took questions from journalists, was asked if it was wise to run the risk of alienating the Muslim communities by "cracking down" with new legislation and falling into the trap al-Qaida had set for western governments.
"This is the balance that we have got to strike," Mr. Blair replied. "And I think people are well able to see between tough measures to drive out extremists and measures aimed at the Muslim community as a whole.
Source: Guardian UK
Quotes:
Note: Bolding is mine.
Tony Blair today set out a 12-point anti-terror plan that could see foreign nationals deported for encouraging terrorism.
The prime minister also announced bans on two Islamist organisations, and consultation on a new power to close places of worship used as centres for fomenting extremism.
The Home Office later proposed a list of "unacceptable behaviour" which said foreign nationals who ran websites, published material or misused a position such as teacher or youth leader could be deported from Britain if they incited, justified or glorified terrorism, or advocated violence in support of their beliefs.
British nationals could be put under control orders for the same activities.
"Let there be no doubt," he said in Downing Street, "the rules of the game are changing".
Mr. Blair added that the government was prepared to amend the Human Rights Act in respect of interpretation of the article three of the European convention on human rights if legal obstacles arise.
"Once the new grounds take effect, there will be a list drawn up of specific extremist websites, bookshops, centres, networks and particular organisations of concern," Mr Blair said. "Active engagement with any of these will be a trigger for the home secretary to consider the deportation of any foreign national."
Mr. Blair, who took questions from journalists, was asked if it was wise to run the risk of alienating the Muslim communities by "cracking down" with new legislation and falling into the trap al-Qaida had set for western governments.
"This is the balance that we have got to strike," Mr. Blair replied. "And I think people are well able to see between tough measures to drive out extremists and measures aimed at the Muslim community as a whole.
