Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 November 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 29 November 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the influence of Arab media on extremist Islamic movements in the UK.

Answer: Mrs. Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the influence of Arab media on extremist Islamic movements in the UK. [199743] Mr. Rammell: The Arab media represents a wide spectrum of views, including those of modernisation and reform. We have not undertaken a measure of its impact. We expect all media outlets to broadcast in a responsible and objective manner. We engage closely with the Arab media in the UK and in the region, including funding for training programmes to help them improve standards. Where Arab media groups operate within the UK, they must operate within UK law. Possible offences of inciting racial hatred or violence under the Public Order Act can be referred to the police.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 199743; 428 c10W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Broadcasting Broadcasting programmes Media Muslims Terrorism Islam Middle East Arabic
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk