Radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir is to be proscribed as terrorist organisation and banned by the British Government.
Ministers have laid an order in Parliament this lunchtime paving the way for the group to be outlawed.
It follows widespread anger and condemnation following the group’s calls for ‘jihad’ in the wake of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7 last year which led to more than 1,400 people being murdered.
The move is a decisive step by the new Home Secretary, James Cleverly. It comes after many years of concerns about the radical organisation which many believe should have been banned.
The group sparked widespread anger and condemnation after they called for ‘jihad’ in the wake of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel on October 7 last year which led to more than 1,400 people being murdered
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Hizb ut-Tahrir caused outrage last October when members of the group chanted ‘jihad’ during a rally outside the Egyptian and Turkish embassies in London. They also called for ‘Muslim armies’ to attack Israel.
Home Secretary, James Cleverly said: "Hizb ut-Tahrir is an antisemitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks.
"Proscribing this terrorist group will ensure that anyone who belongs to and invites supports for them will face consequences.
"It will curb Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ability to operate as it currently does."
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If agreed by Parliament, the order will come into force on January 19.
Anyone belonging to, inviting support for or displaying articles in a public place in a way which prompts suspicion of membership or support for the group will be a criminal offence.
The offence could be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, which can be handed down by a court with a fine.
Founded in 1953, Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international political group with a long-term goal of establishing a Caliphate ruled under Islamic law.
The offence could be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, which can be handed down by a court with a fine
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Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat said: "Hizb ut-Tahrir clearly encourage and promote terrorism.
"Their celebration of Hamas’ appalling attacks on Israel, going so far as to call the terrorists who raped and murdered Israeli citizens ‘heroes’, is disgraceful.
"We stand firmly against antisemitism and hatred against the Jewish community in the UK."
Yvette Cooper MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, said: "There have long been serious concerns about Hizb ut-Tahrir, which have been exacerbated in light of Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October.
"It is right that the government has looked urgently at the evidence and intelligence information available to them about the threat posed by Hizb ut-Tahrir, and we welcome and support the decision to proscribe them.
"Those who incite violence and promote or glorify terrorism have no place on Britain's streets and must face the full force of the law."
A number of countries have banned Hizb ut-Tahrir for their various activities, including Germany, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan and several Central Asian and Arab countries.
