Blair Unveils Tough New Terror Measures

9:37pm UK, Friday August 05, 2005

Tony Blair has outlined new plans to throw out Muslim extremists who promote terrorism in Britain.

Mr Blair answers questions

He said the Government is prepared to amend human rights legislation if it stands in the way of the measures.

Under the proposals, the Home Secretary will have greater freedom to exclude and deport foreigners who preach hate and violence.

The tough new powers follow the July 7 bombings in London which killed 56 people and injured over 700.

Mr Blair said ministers will launch a short one-month consultation on new grounds for removing people and keeping them out of the UK.

These would include fostering hatred, advocating violence to further a person's beliefs or justifying or validating such violence.

"Let no one be in any doubt that the rules of the games are changing," Mr Blair told reporters at his monthly press conference.

He said the key was dealing with the foreign extremists who provide the "ideological drive" for British fanatics like the London bombers.

Clerics coming in to preach at British mosques will be vetted to ensure they do not pose a threat while those already here will be deported.

British courts have previously refused to return anyone who faces the threat of torture or death in their home country.

But the Government is now working on agreements with 10 such countries so they can be sent back.

Mr Blair revealed a list would be drawn up of extremist websites, bookshops and centres with a view to those involved being deported.

He also confirmed new anti-terror legislation in the autumn would include an offence of condoning or glorifying terrorism anywhere in the world, not just in the UK.