Asbo plan for religious extremists

Police and prosecutors could use Asbos against suspects they can not charge with criminal offences under new guidance to tackle "radicalisers" announced by Attorney General Lord Goldsmith. Police are also calling on members of the public to use a hotline to tip them off about anyone they suspect of preaching hatred.

Lord Goldsmith said that he had been concerned for some time that not enough was being done to tackle the threat from extremist radicalisers and said it was time for a national strategy to deal with the problem. "There is a small number of people that we are talking about but I don't think you can underestimate the influence that those people can have," he said.

Both police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have set up new national teams to concentrate on the problem and work together more effectively.

As national co-ordinator, Detective Superintendent Mark Holmes of Scotland Yard's Counter terrorism Command will have 30 officers under him, as well as in new counter terrorism units in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. The CPS has also appointed an unnamed lawyer to act as its national co-ordinator in the area liaising with specialist regional prosecutors who will work alongside counter-terror police. It has drawn up new guidance for police and prosecutors outlining what charges are available under anti-terror and other laws to prevent people inciting hatred or violence.

But the guidance also deals with a range of "non-prosecution" options such as Asbos or powers to remove extremist material from the internet. The idea follows the successful use of Asbos to curb animal rights extremists from harassing the public, Lord Goldsmith said.

But Lord Goldsmith insisted they would not be used to curb freedom of expression. "This is not about stopping preachers going to their Mosques, this is not about stopping people being able to express lawfully their opinions."

An alliance of British Muslims welcomed the Government's new anti-terror measures.

The group, which includes community leaders, theologians and mosque leaders, said in an open letter that Muslims in all areas of society should support the drive to stamp out extremism. "Being Muslim and British is also about standing together and confronting those who seek to undermine our common values," it said.

The letter, signed by The British Muslim Forum, Sunni Confederation of Mosques which represents 125 mosques in the Midlands, Islamic Help in Birmingham and Glasgow Central MP Mohammed Sarwar, calls for young people and women to help construct a tolerant and multicultural Britain. "As British Muslims we share in the nation's concern for the future of our country, its peace and prosperity for all citizens regardless of background," it said.