The British prime minister has ruled out an immediate ban on Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood despite branding some of the group members as “possible extremists”.
David Cameron made the comments following a long-delayed official inquiry into Muslim Brotherhood’s activities in Britain. “The organization will remain under review due to its highly ambiguous relationship with violent extremism”, he was quoted as saying.
The prime minister said that the review found the Brotherhood of having greater influence on Muslim groups in Britain as well as its support for the Palestinian movement, Hamas.
“The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism,” Cameron said in a written ministerial statement to British lawmakers.”
Britain has come under constant pressure from Egypt and Saudi Arabia to ban the Muslim Brotherhood. A review of the group was launched under the former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The report by Sir John Jenkins delivers stronger findings under which London could end up banning the group.
Commenting on the review report, Cameron said that his government will be keeping a close watch on the views promoted by Muslim Brotherhood associates in Britain, as well as their activities.
He added that the UK would continue to refuse visas to Brotherhood members and associates who are on record as having made extremist comments.
