Intelligence

Prescott tells extremist: 'Enjoy long holiday'

ePolitix.com - Prescott tells extremist: 'Enjoy long holiday'

John Prescott has called on Islamic extremist Omar Bakri Mohammed not to return to the UK in the near future.

The deputy prime minister, in charge of government while Tony Blair is on holiday, spoke out after it emerged that the preacher had travelled to Lebanon on Saturday.

"Enjoy your holiday - make it a long one," Prescott said.

Bakri has said he would not return to Britain if he is not welcome.

Asked if Bakri should come back, Prescott added: "I don't think he is welcome by many people in this country, is he?

"But at the moment he has the right to come in and out. That is the circumstances at present and we have to change situations in this country by law.

"It's a democracy, not a dictatorship, for God's sake."

Bakri told BBC Radio Five Live he had travelled to Lebanon to visit family but planned to return in four weeks.

Prescott was non-committal on whether the controversial cleric would be allowed to return to Britain.

He said: "These are matters to consider when it happens. You [the media] are already talking about the changes that take place.

"We will have to look at how the circumstances change.

"You know that the home secretary's already made clear he has powers. He intends to extend them under the existing powers he has got at the moment. So let's wait and see what those proposals are.

"We have to act as the law is and as the convention operates."

August 9, 2005 at 05:48 PM in Current Terrorism | Permalink | Top of page | Blog Home