London – Prime Minister Tony Blair proposed strict anti- terrorism measures Friday that would allow Britain to expel foreigners who preach hatred, to close extremist mosques and to bar entry to Muslim radicals.
“The rules of the game are changing” after last month’s bomb attacks on London’s transit system, he declared.
The proposals, which also target extremist websites and bookshops, are aimed primarily at excluding radical Islamic clerics accused of whipping up hatred and violence among vulnerable, disenfranchised Muslim men.
“We are angry. We are angry about extremism and about what they are doing to our country, angry about their abuse of our good nature,” Blair said.
“We welcome people here who share our values and our way of life. But don’t meddle in extremism, because if you meddle in it … you are going back out again.”
The July 7 suicide attacks on London’s transit system and the failed July 21 attacks stunned Britons and raised fresh concern about the freedoms Britain offers to individuals and groups known for extremist activities.
Blair said the focus of the anti-terrorism proposals was on foreigners because authorities believe “the ideological drive and push is coming from the outside.”
But some members of Britain’s 1.8 million-strong Muslim community expressed concern that moderate Muslims would be subjected to new prejudices and restrictions.
Britain has been criticized for lagging behind its European neighbors in responding to the growing threat of terrorism. Since last month’s attacks, France has expelled two extremist Muslim prayer leaders and plans to ship eight others home. Italian authorities have deported eight Palestinian imams.
Some British officials feel human rights legislation has hampered Britain’s ability to deport foreigners.
As a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, Britain cannot deport people to a country where they may face torture or death.
Blair is hoping Britain can take a tougher line by winning pledges from countries that promise deportees will not be subjected to inhumane treatment. An agreement has already been reached with Jordan, and London is talking to Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.
The prime minister said some of the measures will require legislation and that he would consider asking Parliament to reconvene next month – rather than in October – to take up the proposals. Other measures, such as broadening the grounds for deportation, can be enacted immediately but are likely to face court tests.
