UK plans to block entry of ‘hate preachers’ from several countries including Pakistan

London: The United Kingdom government has unveiled plans to prevent the entry of hate preachers espousing extremist ideologies from countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Indonesia.

This initiative, highlighted by an address from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street, underscores the gravity of the threat posed by individuals propagating divisive narratives.

Citing a surge in extremist activity, UK officials have embarked on a concerted effort to identify and compile a list of individuals deemed to harbor the most pernicious ideologies from abroad.

Under the proposed measures, those featured on these lists would find themselves automatically barred from entering the United Kingdom, signaling a robust response to safeguard the nation’s democratic and multi-faith values.

Prime Minister Sunak, in his address, underscored the imperative of preserving the fabric of British society against the encroachment of extremist forces. “The Home Secretary has instructed that if those here on visas choose to spew hate on protests or seek to intimidate people, we will remove their right to be here,” he asserted, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance towards individuals fomenting discord.

Moreover, Sunak cautioned against the exploitation of demonstrations, particularly those pertaining to the Israel-Hamas conflict, by extremists. He underscored the critical need for unity in countering divisive ideologies, warning against the symbiotic relationship between extremist elements and the far right. “Extremists and the far right feed off and embolden each other,” he cautioned, urging vigilance against the insidious influence of divisive narratives.

Echoing Sunak’s sentiments, Lord Walney, the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, drew attention to the convergence of fringe left-wing groups with extremist elements during pro-Palestine marches across the UK. Describing this alignment as an “unholy alliance,” Lord Walney’s official review urges proactive measures to address the growing threat posed by such affiliations.

Currently under deliberation by the UK Home Office, Lord Walney’s recommendations are poised to reshape the nation’s approach to combating extremism. A spokesperson for the Home Office reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating extremism from society, stressing the imperative of upholding law and order. “Extremism has no place in our society, and we will not tolerate tactics that set out to intimidate, threaten, or cause disruption to the law-abiding majority,” the spokesperson affirmed, signaling a resolute stance against all forms of radicalism.