Fresh attempts by Tony Blair to ban a radical Muslim group are facing opposition from the police and Home Office officials, the BBC has learned. It is understood no direct links have been found between Hizb ut-Tahrir and a support for violence. Home Office officials are also understood to be concerned a successful legal challenge to a ban would be highly damaging.
Number Ten has been the driving force behind a fresh look at banning Hizb ut-Tahrir, or HT. The Home Office has been actively considering proscribing the organisation to coincide with Mr Blair’s current visit to Pakistan, which has a ban in place. But it is understood that neither the police nor the security services have been able to find direct links between the group and violence.
Senior police officers do not think a ban would be helpful, the BBC understands. But both Mr Blair and Home Secretary John Reid are understood to be in favour.