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MP calls for 7/7 bomber's uncle to be banned from UK
Joe Murphy, Political Editor8 Jul 2008
An MP today urged the Home Secretary to ban the uncle of 7/7 bomber Shehzad Tanweer from Britain.
David Winnick wrote to Jacqui Smith after the Evening Standard revealed the killer's uncle, who regards his son as a martyr, plans to come to Britain.
There was outrage yesterday at the disclosure that Tahir Pervez, a 42-yearold property developer, holds an annual party at the grave of Tanweer to mark the day on which 52 people were killed in the London bombings.
Mr Winnick said anyone holding such views was an extremist who should not be allowed to enter the country.
"It would be totally inappropriate for someone, whether a relative or otherwise, who publicly praises the terrorist involved in the 7/7 atrocity to visit Britain," said the Labour MP.
"The Home Secretary and the immigration authorities have the power to refuse entry on the basis that an individual's presence would not be conducive to the public good.
"Someone who claims that the London bombers were martyrs certainly fits that criteria. Tanweer was no martyr - he was a mass murderer." The Home Office said it would not comment on individual cases.
Tanweer, who was 22 at the time of the bombings, detonated the bomb on the westbound Circle Line train between Liverpool Street and Aldgate at 8.50am on 7 July 2005.
His actions killed seven people and injured dozens.
He was one of four bombers who set out to commit maximum carnage and chaos by attacking London's public transport system at the peak of the rush hour.
Pervez, however, has turned his nephew's grave into a "shrine" and each year marks his "martyrdom" by serving food and inviting 400 villagers to bless his soul.
Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, who lost five constituents in the attacks, called the party "absolutely appalling".
