| MP Geert Wilders |
| The issue: |
Dear Sir,
I usually neglect my right to contact the Government or my MP, but on this occasion I find it essential that I express my disgust that my Government has refused the entry of MP Geert Wilders to this country.
The news this evening has, quite frankly, stunned me as to how far the current Government is willing to go to protect Muslims within this country, while forgetting the basic freedom of speech afforded to us in a democracy. I am stunned as to how far the current Government is willing to go to protect Muslims within this country, while forgetting the basic freedom of speech afforded to us in a democracy. It is a shame people in this country were protected when demonstrating against artistic cartoons, while preventing an elected MP within the European Union to present his film within the House of Lords. Perhaps you could identify why Muslim clerics are invited into this country to preach, while an elected MP within the European
Union is prevented from presenting his film within, and by invitation from, the House of Lords.
Finally, George, I very much hope that you are equally incensed by this decision. It is a shame that I have to contact you, given that you have not been responsible for this decision, but until today I did not realise there was a "strict Parliamentary Code" that prevented me from contacting the people responsible including Jacqui Smith, David Miliband and ultimately Gordon Brown because "I am not a member of their constituency" - even though these are the people responsible for 'leading' this country. It is no wonder they are so out of touch with reality if they are protected from the electorate who try to contact them.
I look forward to your response.
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| Date Issue Raised: |
12 Feb 2009 |
| My response: |
Thank you for your email about the Government’s decision not to allow the Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, entry into Britain.
As I understand it, Mr Wilders faces trial in the Netherlands for inciting hatred and because of this, the Home Office took the decision that his presence in this country could threaten public security. I am concerned that people like Ibrahim Moussawi, a spokesman for the terrorist organisation, Hizbullah, have not been banned in the past, and that the likes of the Islamist militant, Abu Qatada, have been permitted to remain in Britain. The Government must apply the criteria governing entry into this country consistently. Banning Mr Wilders has probably secured more coverage for his obnoxious views than letting him in.
Like you, I strongly believe that free speech is a fundamental basis of our society. Britain learned long ago that more freedom of speech leads to more vigorous debate, which leads to more tolerance. The Government’s failure to be consistent on this matter has simply served to undermine its credibility in this specific case.
Best wishes, George Young
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Sir George Young Bt MP: Constituency and Parliamentary Website 