Extreme Islamic group to be banned

THE controversial Islamic group which planned to march through a town where processions are held for dead British soldiers be outlawed.

Islam4UK had said it would stage an anti-war march through Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire with members carrying empty coffins.

But yesterday, it emerged that Home Secretary Alan Johnson could ban the group as early as today.

The revelation came after a newspaper claimed that comments made by senior members of the Islam4UK group and on websites breached the Terrorism Act.

A Home Office spokesman said the final decision on whether to ban the group rested with Mr Johnson but would not confirm the plan.

He went on: “Any organisation which causes us concern is kept under continuous review. As and when new material comes to light it is considered and the organisation reassessed as part of that process.

“Proscription is a tough but necessary power to tackle terrorism. Decisions on proscription must be proportionate and based on evidence that a group is concerned in terrorism as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000.”

The leader of the extremist group, Anjem Choudary, insisted plans for the march would go ahead despite widespread anger at the idea.

Families of soldiers who died in Afghanistan condemned the scheme, and MPs signed a motion urging action by the Home Secretary and local authorities to prevent the march, which they said would be “a gross mark of disrespect”.