Brown bans preacher who praised bombers

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Yusuf al-Qaradawi, 81, had hoped to come to London from Qatar for medical treatment but it is understood the Prime Minister has blocked his visa.

The Muslim Council of Britain accused Mr Brown of bowing to pressure from the "pro-Zionist and neoconservative lobby".

Egyptian Al-Qaradawi visited in 2004 when he was given red-carpet treatment by Mayor Ken Livingstone.

The sheikh, who has been banned by other countries including the US, is the spiritual leader of a group linked to the outlawed Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood. In the past he has spoken out against homosexuality, promotedthe idea of Palestinian suicide attacks against Israelis, and described suicide bombers as "martyrs".

The Home Office said it had refused Al-Qaradawi a visa after deciding he could pose a threat to community cohesion. However, Al-Qaradawi has the right to appeal and could still be given a visa in future. The intervention came a week after David Cameron called for Al-Qaradawi to be barred. The Conservative leader said there should be zero tolerance towards clerics who defend terrorism, call for the execution of gay people and oppose rights for women.

Today shadow home secretary David Davis said the move was not before time, adding: "The Government's approach to preachers of hate has been at best timid and at worst downright useless."

But the Muslim Council of Britain said Mr Brown had given way to "unreasonable demands". Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, the council's secretary-general, said: "Yusuf al-Qaradawi enjoys unparalleled respect and influence throughout the Muslim world ... Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit. These principles are worth defending."

An MP close to the Prime Minister said: "Gordon was intent on sending a signal that the views of this character are not acceptable."

Boris Johnson, Tory candidate for mayor, said: "This decision highlights Ken Livingstone's gross error of judgment in inviting a man to London who espouses such vile opinions."