Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by James Clappison (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 13 February 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Terrorism Bill

Question: Does the Minister agree that the vast majority of mosques are dedicated to peace and enlightenment, as are the worshippers who attend them? They are precisely the people who suffer the most from the negative perceptions created by extremists. Last summer, the Prime Minister saw a need for the Government to establish powers to close down mosques that fomented extremism. Is that still Government policy?

Answer: I totally agree with the hon. Gentleman's opening statement, as, I am sure, does the whole House. Everyone will know, not least because of the disparity between the last two sets of demonstrations, that in any community, frankly, it is the extremists who do down the moderates far more than anyone else. The hon. Gentleman said it was suggested that we should consider, in extremis, closing down specific facilities. I understand that we have examined that, but found that it would not be terribly practical, or, as he suggests, fair on the remaining members of the community around a mosque. Working with a community to eradicate extremists would be far more fruitful than simply closing a mosque.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 442 c1124
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Closures Radicalism Mosques Ethnic groups Public participation Minority groups Terrorism
Legislation: Terrorism Bill 2005-06
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk