Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 5 March 2009.

Geert Wilders

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the remarks by Lord West of Spithead on 12 February (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 1232–36), what factors were taken into account by the Home Secretary in deciding whether the ban on Geert Wilders entering the United Kingdom would be in accordance with the European principle of proportionality.

Answer: As required by regulation 21(5) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, the Home Secretary took into account the personal conduct of Mr Wilders, illustrated by his statements about Muslims and their beliefs. The Home Secretary considered that his statements were intended to incite racial and religious hatred and that his presence in the UK would, therefore, threaten community harmony and public security in the United Kingdom. As a result she took the view that Mr Wilders' presence in the United Kingdom would constitute a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to fundamental interests of public policy and public security. She decided it was proportionate that Mr Wilders be denied admission, despite his position as an elected Member of the Dutch Parliament and the freedom of movement he would normally have as a national of a member state of the EU. The Home Secretary's views were conveyed to the immigration officer who decided to refuse Mr Wilders admission to the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1561; 708 c175-6WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Geert Wilders
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Subjects: Immigration controls Politicians Netherlands Wilders, Geert
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk