Howard calls for entry ban for controversial cleric
The Conservative leader has called on the Government to refuse entry to the UK, and by implication deport, the controversial Muslim cleric Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time Michael Howard said that when he was Home Secretary he had used his powers to ensure that people who are “not conducive to the public good” were banned from Britain, and called on the Government to do the same.
Mr Howard repeated the allegations that Dr Al-Qaradawi has offered support to suicide bombers and noted that he has been banned from the US.
Tony Blair responded that there are “very strict rules” that will be applied and said the situation will be kept under constant review. He added that any exclusions must be done in a way that is strictly lawful.
He refused to comment further on the specific case, stating that this was a decision for the Home Secretary. He stressed that he wanted “nothing to do with those who support suicide bombers or terrorists”.
Mr Blair further chided Mr Howard for raising the issue, stating that it is “not a party political matter.”
Dr Al-Qaradawi is in the UK for a weeklong visit for a number of official functions. He is being hosted by the Muslim Association of Britain and will preside over the founding conference of the International Union of Muslims Scholars and will chair the annual meeting of the European Council of Fatwa and Research (ECFR), which will open in London with Mayor Ken Livingstone in attendance.
IslamOnline says that the cleric is in fact widely considered as a moderate, citing his condemnation of the Bali bombings and the 9/11 attacks.
