Banning of Hizb ut Tahrir

The announcement by Tony Blair that he intends to ban the Islamic political group Hizb ut Tahrir should be of concern to all democrats. While we disagree with much of the politics of the group, it has publicly argued against the London bombings. There is no evidence whatever that it is committed to violence or terrorism. There can be no justification for such a ban.

In making this move, the government is crossing a line in trying to silence people who politically oppose it but have no connection with terrorism. Will it go still further in trying to silence other groups and organisations who have been extremely critical of the government over its policies on the war? Will those of us who have tried to explain terrorism now be accused of justifying or even glorifying it?

This is an extremely worrying development which can only harm democracy in this country. All those who oppose the war and occupation should also vigorously oppose this ban, as well as all attacks on our civil liberties.