Foreign preachers of hate must renounce views or be banned from UK

Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, has announced a package of measures aimed at making it harder for extremists to enter the country. The new rules will also affect anyone suspected of advocating illegal action to stir up tensions, including anti-abortionists, far-right groups and animal rights activists. "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," Miss Smith said. "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. Under the new plan, foreign-born extremists will be forced to retract controversial statements, and will have to refute specific allegations made against them. Currently, the burden of proof lies with the authorities, who must show that alleged extremists still hold the views ascribed to them. Those accused of advocating illegal action may also have to make a public statement of their support for democracy if they want to stay in Britain. The new rules also hand new powers to the Home Office to name people blocked from entering Britain and share their details with other countries. Currently individuals involved are guaranteed anonymity unless they choose to go public and fight their ban...............

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