Edwin Small, spokesperson for the British government in the Middle East and North Africa, said the United Kingdom is expected to pass new legislation to ban extremist organizations that undermine democracy and foment hatred.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Cairo John Casson said in a press briefing at the embassy on Thursday that the new legislation targets extremists of all religions living in the United Kingdom, and not specifically Muslims.
Casson also said the results of the Brotherhood activities review would be announced this year.
“Facing extremism is a priority of the conservative government in the United Kingdom,” he said, explaining that the new legislation will close the headquarters of extremist organizations, ban the posting of extremist ideas on the Internet, monitor the performance of the media, investigate certain job applicants and make sure charities are not used for financing terrorist activities.
He also said a special unit will be formed to analyze the data in visa applications, in order to keep track of suspected applicants.
Casson praised the steps taken by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to renew the religious discourse. “The United Kingdom is willing to cooperate in this regard,” he said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
