Anti-war march group 'to be banned'

Anjem Choudary of Islam4UK said the march would go ahead despite widespread anger
12 April 2012

A controversial Islamic group which planned to march through a town where processions are held for dead British soldiers will be banned, it was reported.

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

But the News of the World reported that Home Secretary Alan Johnson would outlaw the group as early as Monday.

It said comments made by senior members of Islam4UK and on websites breached the Terrorism Act.

A Home Office spokesman said that 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."

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".

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