Dismore asks for Bakri status review

12:37pm Thursday 8th April 2004

The leader of a Muslim group, whose members have brandished banners saying Kill the Jews', should have his right to stay in this country removed, according to Andrew Dismore, Labour MP for Hendon.

Mr Dismore, an expert in terrorism, has been calling for the removal of Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed's leave to remain' in the UK for five years, but hopes his recent outbursts, asking British Muslims not to co-operate with the police, will force the Home Office to review his status.

The high-profile Islamic cleric, from Edmonton, Enfield, is believed to have taught some of the men from Crawley and Luton currently being questioned following their arrest by anti-terrorism police officers last week.

Mr Dismore said: "I started to ask for the Home Office to look at his leave to remain in 1999. Al-Muhajiroun of which the sheikh is leader held a demonstration in Brent with 'Kill the Jews' posters.

He has claimed in Arabic newspapers to have sent young Muslims for weapons training. When they came back they had to work for Al-Muhajiroun to pay off the debt."