well if his views are mainstream as Al Rahim says then hatred is in the hearts of many which may explain the compulsion of fellow muslims to maim and kill each other (not just American and British) in Iraq for instance - many terrible things have and will be done in the name of religions, all faiths, over the centuries and still it goes on - when will it end. A loving God despairs and paradise is the last place that such people will be welcome, having created a hell of hatred on Earth, they expect to be welcomed to Paradise still with hatred beating in their hearts

Clive, London,

The foreign office has done thew right thing by denying this fundamentalist a visa to visit England. This is the best way to keep all the trouble makers out of England, not to let them in.
Why bring trouble to the country . If the cleric. Dr, Yusuf al Qaradawi wants to fight his religious wars against the West it is better for him to stay in Qatar or go back to Egypt.

I am surprised how many Religious doctors Egypt has that like politics so much. The Council Muslim of Britain would do itself a big favor to let the matter drop and not make too much noise in this case.
This C.M.B does it represent only the Arabs or other Muslims to.? If it is universal why we never hear about the Muslims from Balkans making any noise at all, or being refused visas to visit England?. We hear only complaints from Pakistani and Egyptian clerics but nor from other Muslim lands.

Does the Muslim faith belongs only to Egyptians and the Pakistanis or it belongs to all Muslims?

vespasianus, Paramus n.j, UNITED STATES

"Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit" - unlike the Muslim world.

"he was welcomed by Ken Livingstone" - not suprised!

At last the Labour government has taken a stand, however small and with significant pressure to do so - please can we stop pandering and trying to please a very small, very very loud, section of our community that is just over 1 per cent!

Nick James, London,

Many who have posted seem to be under the false impression that Dr. al Qaradawi represents a fringe viewpoint, when in fact, he is widely viewed as the highest authority in Sunni Islam. Many of his views which you might find repugnant, such as his desire for the annihilation of Israel or the death penalty for homosexuals are actually quite orthodox and mainstream among Muslims worldwide.

al Rahim, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Mr KEN LIVINGSTOE your mouth shut for a change and what about Galloway hes gone quiet since saddam gone to sleep

Yeshurun, London, UK

GOOD.

Sensible decision for once.

Steve, Rugby,

"Do they really express the opinions of normal British muslim? Let me know." -- Richard, London, UK

MB who? Never heard of 'em

Now, i'll just get back to running my tandoori takeaway.
I see a long queue of white english customers :)

Mohammed, London, UK

Good on D-Cam for keeping this horrendous human being out of the UK.

Victoria, London,

Richard, London, UK

Couldnt have said it better myself.

Thank god we do have some white english counterparts who dont just condemn us muslims at every opportunity and tar us all with the same brush.

Thank you.

Hassan, Birmingham,

It's hard to believe this same 'defenders of free speech' were the ones calling for the resignation of editors who published cartoons they didn't like......

david, London,

its about time the goverment put a stop to this but yet again the west his the bad guys we put up with a lot from the muslim community when it dose not benifit them but when they get what they want it is fine this his a free country but the british people are fed up with the title that we are all rascist . i agree with this fellow who says that he hates the west but then he wants to use our medical care well i think he should stay were he his that benifits us

fergie, sheffield,

Good! No Visa, No Benefits (medical services), No open forum to preach his hate nor extend his life. If Allah wants him to survive, so be it. As they say "In Shalla" (it's in the had so God.)

Dave, Hillsborough, USA/NC

This country has or rather used to have, a long and established tradition of free speech, mature debate and intellectual pursuit,but now we seem to react in a knee jerk fashion to any loudly expressed view if it opposes our own.We seem incapable of mature discussion any longer with the hothead having his view accepted as the majority view and inevitably taking our cue from the Americans.........dark days for a once independent Britain.

Josh Martin, Oxford,

The UK has no culture or traditions so I laugh when I see people saying they do.
For Christmas you get drunk and watch Eastenders. For Funerals you get drunk and for New Years day ...... you get drunk! So what tradions or 'culture' do you have.

Felix Turner, Penang, Malaysia

Amazing how the Muslims suddenly want to defend the free speech of Britain when one of their preachers of hate cannot get a visa into the country.

Its about time this country stopped pandering to the will of moaning Muslims, there are plenty of Muslim countries in the world, they don’t have a benefits system which allows them to be housed, fed and pray without doing a days work.

Well done Mr Cameron, maybe I wont be voting BNP after all!

Mark, Leeds, Yorkshire

we do not want this sort off man in our country he readliy accepts that he dose not care that innocent people get hurt by suicide bombers and condones what they do it is disgraceful that he can even say he is a scholar it makes me sick to think what would have happened if he was allowed in this country.

rachael, sheffild,

I'll go for that, mohammad, every Muslim who has a computer to be monitored,.

I had five years in the Cradleof Islam, most I came into contact with, werenice people, all followed the idea that it was their bounden duty to cover the whole world with their religion.

I used to tell, 'em point blank, if they wished to see their country and religion wiped off tne face of the globe, that was the sure way of going about it.

Seems I never managed to get to those radicals who did the 9/11 and the Madrid and London events.

I had them confused when I stated quite bluntly 'there is no such thing as God or Allah.
In their thoughts, " this Inglesi is just a poor fool". But I at least could leave and come to a civilised party of the world, and carry on living a normal life,. Their idea was to come here on hols and jump any female they wanted to, and booze 'til paralytic was justified because 'we are infidels and don't count, and anyway Allah couldn't see them out of their Kingdom.

J Morgan, Pontypool, wales

Well for once David Cameron has actually been campaigning for the right thing!

Frank, Oxford,

What is wrong with him seeking medical treatment in Saudi Arabia, perhaps he would have to keep his mouth shut there.
Good move Mr Brown

Lloyd, Conwy, UK

He can get medical treatment in a Muslim country where they have excellent hospitals.

william, northwood,

Unless you are a British Citizen or have indefinate leave to remain then there is no legal right to enter the UK or have a visitors visa issued to you.

Brian, Skookumchuck , Canada

Hugo J, Vancouver Canada;
You are so right!

Jean, Hague, Netherlands

Right decision, Congrats to GB.
It's strange to hear the BMI condemn the decision - what they should do instead is take a stand against the views of Dr al-Qaradawi.
No wonder people tend to generalize when they're talkng about Muslims, sorry...

JJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Let me get this right.

I work hard. I pay taxes. My taxes are (probably) going to be used to keep a man alive who encourages religious nutters to murder me...

...and if I object to this, then I'm the medieval / rascist one?

I don't think so.

Ciara, London,

I think it is not fair for some people here to say all Muslims are outraged or insulted by this decision. The article starts with 'Muslim outrage' and then clearly says the MCB is outraged. I'll leave the role of the media for now.
As a Muslim in Britain, I don't know what the MCB is or stands for or what is its purpose, apart from embarrassing Muslims around the UK. What I am certain of is that the MCB doesn't speak for me or any of the many other Muslims that I know.
This cleric is a dangerous person and has been rightly refused entry.
Unfortunately this religion is divided between real Muslims on one side and on the other Extremists and Terrorists. I hope someday, all these people expressing their hatred towards the Muslim community here will realise this and will stop blaming the ‘forest for a few bad trees.’

saleem, London, United kingdom

Quote: A Aziz - "Since when did we become a nation that denied people medical treatment based on their beliefs?"

Aziz, since when did we become a nation that provides free medical treatment to anyone who wants it? It's called the National Health Service, not the World Health Service. This man is not being denied medical treatment, he's being denied entry to a country he claims to hate. Well done David Cameron, another victory for common sense!

Ed Bullen, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Some sense at last! So the BMI dont like it, they think it insulting, well tough luck, I feel insulted when my culture and traditions are constantly downgraded by the PC Brigade. Do those that disagree with this man being denied entry think we are so stupid as to want to admit someone who could promote terrorism here, that we would seek to put our lives at risk. If the BMI dont like it I suggest they pack up and leave, in fact they should be made to leave they are promoting admittance of a man known to have terrorist tendancies, so by default they are advocating the same.

Patricia Kenny, Braford, West Yorkshire

Finally! Britain does have a backbone.
Common sense has prevailed...good on David Cameron
You'll get my vote !!

Tim, London,

We have always had a multicultural society in the UK, now these so called 'Scholar's of Islam' are trying to create a 'multi society culture', where they do their own thing, and everyone else has to make allowances, or risk 'offending' them.
Akram of London, you need to understand this very simple message, how do you think we got the freedoms in this country that you are now enjoying, we fought for them, get the picture?.

Dave Jones, Stourbridge, West Midlands

to timid to grasp the nettle i.e. islam
don,t upset anyone sshhhh
you all look to your selves and your family and relatives
not timid enough to snaffle the tax payers money are we now..
multi racial yes
multi cutural impossible
so get real
and do the job your paid ( handsomely _to do

kennailedit, blackburn,

I'm a Muslim living in Britain and I totally understand why people are pleased he's not been allowed into this country. I just hope that people realize that not all Muslims hold the same political views. I think that some of the above comments about 'all' Muslims should do this or that are very stereotypical. Let's look at people as individuals. Nobody blames Christianity if a priest abuses an alter boy so I think we should not brand everyone with the same brush.

zeez, Leeds,

it's good to finally see the british govt and its people stand up to these evil men and what they preach. complacency on their path is what has brought the Uk to where it is now. the next thing they will want is to declare britain an ismalic state. well done to david cameron, these are the type of leaders we need. not politicall overcorrect ones.

jane, waterford, ireland

Praise suicide bombings?
Call for the death of homosexuals?
Stay home.
And as the MCGB decided to end its six year boycott of the holocaust memorial just recently perhaps we should give them six years before they have a shred of moral authority returned.

Matt Hayden, Cardiff, Wales

The BMI president, said ''We would have to go as far back as the medieval age when scholars were hounded and vilified in order to find a similar retrograde decision'. Islam has never left the medieval age so the followers of Islam should be quite used to being hounded, vilified and put to death by their leaders.

dave johnson, london,

Mr Cameron well done. You've certainly got my vote! Gordon Brown obviously cares nothing about the rights of women, gays and Jews.

TSA, Leeds,

Good for Cameron!! At last a mainstream politician is speaking up for the vast 'silent majority' - of all the British, whatever their ethnicity. Would he please also tell the Archbishop of Canterbury that he should do the same - Sharia Law in Britain - he the man is a disgrace to the Church of England and the country as a whole.

Chris, Guildford, UK

Quote "Dr al-Qaradawi enjoyed respect as a scholar throughout the Muslim world". Note the past tense "enjoyed".
The best decision ever made, keep these fanatics OUT of the UK!

Dave Ainsworth, Glasgow, UK

At last a strong leader in Cameron not afraid of the thought police and the hateful appeasers like Livingstone. This vile old man and all his like should never be allowed into the UK to spread their bile. It's the front line and must be held.

Paul, Sydney,

Since when did we become a nation that denied people medical treatment based on their beliefs? If we are to promote change we need to show compassion and lead by example. Not deny people medical treatment just because their own views do not agree with our own. Denying the medical visa is disgraceful!!

A Aziz, London,

I wonder what think tank had to tell Gordon Brown he had to do this.

John, Essex , UK

A good decision, at last.

WA, England,

Another vile character spouting a big Yes to murder, and those Muslims in Britain who 'demand' he be allowed entry just expose themselves as fellow-travelers in the politics of murder. If this man enjoys respect as a 'scholar' through the Muslim world, one begins to grasp why Genghis Khan piled the heads of all the scholars in Baghdad in a bloody heap. Let him die in his own country, not in a country he wishes to infest with his presence and the presence of those killers who admire him.

Hugo J., Vancouver, Canada

"We would have to go as far back as the medieval age..." says a BMI spokesman. You're permanently stuck there yourself in my opinion

Andrew, Dorking, UK

The fact that Muslims think of this toxic tyrant as a great scholar says it all really! He is not British and it thus follows that we don't have to admit him. Nor should we. How the MCB can have the sheer hypocrisy to invoke freedom of speech when their poisonous idol would deny just about every freedom imaginable to our people if he had his own way is breathtaking! I certainly wouldn't call a man who calls for the execution of homosexuals,the destruction of Israel and the beating of women a great scholar: I'd call him a dangerous lunatic! The MCB still can't resist showing their true colours: they brought out the tired old Zionist conspiracy fallacy again.
This is not about freedom of speech but more a case of keeping a nasty trouble causing supporter of terrorism out of our country. Cameron was right. I hope he'll be as strong if he's our next PM!

S P, Swansea, UK

Who said we don't have a "pro zionist lobby" in UK?

jayil, london, uk

Stay on point do. Allowing a man who denigrates women, gay people, free thinkers and us kaffirs generally, into England so he can receive medical treatment at our expense (apparently) and preach hate of us at the same time. What has that to do with "zion"?

I am all for freedom of speech but advocating beating women and bombings is a crime in this country; unlike homosexuality.

Tomorrow I will be taking a day off from my job (working for male traders) whilst a man does work on the flat I have bought with money I have worked hard for. Later I will be visited by a male friend (Jewish) to chat. Then I will go out with him and his wife to a party with gay friends (one of whom is Muslim - celebate) and is a good pal of the Jew. I am celebate. I tend not to drink. But in a couple of weeks I hope to celebrate the arrival of my best friend's baby (somalian hubby babysitting).

Hope that grinds it in!

Tiggy, London,

pauline cheltenham. what a ridiculous thing to say, 'it's time for govnt and muslims to remeber this is OUR country'. sad.

this country is made up jews, christians, muslims alike. and THIS COUNTRY belongs to US. british citizens, regardless of OUR religion.

what a sadly skewed opinion you have.

Sara, Surrey, UK

To the first post - 'Tom of London' - yes I have bothered to read much of The Quran - and yes, it still exhorts one to beat your wife if disobedient. I wonder whether the odd supporter of this cleric on this thread beat their wives if they have one? I notice none have cited 'free-speech' in their protests either.

christopher munro, Liverpool, England

So? When are muslims NOT outraged, or offended, or humiliated? As long as we evil infidels insist on claiming our rights as free people they are going to be outraged. It's time to leave them all in the 7th century where they belong.

Proud infidel.

Joe Thornton, Warrenton VA, USA

Right decision. My country (Canada) would have done exactly the same thing. There is no place for extremists who advocate suicide bombings.

It appears that many of these Muslim "scholars" are supported and respected by many mainstream Muslims. That is a little scary.

And it's not an issue of free speech. Free speech ends when you threaten to kill people for simply existing. And threatening not to vote for a politician who doesn't support your extremist views seems to me to be blackmail.

I think anyone who supports and voices extremist views, or threatens violence on another group, should be arrested, tried, and jailed.

Dalton, Toronto, Canada

My God! So the MCB shows its 'indignation' on this decision in the name of denial of 'free-speech' - with a straight face! You bunch of hypocrites! Where were you when Rushdie needed to go into hiding through Muslim death threats? Or when silly (unfunny) cartoons were printed? I suppose the MCB criterion for free-speech is dictated by Islamic privelage. As for your assertion that this decision is 'medieval' - well, I imagine you would feel an affinity with this sentiment given sharia law IS medieval.

christopher munro, Liverpool, England

"Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit. These principles are worth defending," Except if any muslim sensitivities are bruised. Then you must apologize and muzzle the offending speech. What bloody hypocrites they are.

Michael, Bedford, Texas USA

If anyone, Doctor, Lawyer, Clergy or Academic; proclaims suicide bombers as martyrs, thinks collateral civilian damage is ok and the beating, stoning or cutting off of limbs is divine pennence vs criminal assault is, in my humble opinion, perhaps psychotic, schizophrenic and deeply in need of sedation.
I love Our Lord Jesus, respect; the true beliefs of the Koran, believers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.
If I wanted to revert to the 14th Century, I would sell my home, buy a goat and pitch a tent in the adjacent pasture near here. Duh! This is 2008, get off the mat, couch or whatever, take a walk in the Oasis, park or forest, smell the blooming roses..Get A Life, Embrace love, not hate.....steamed, ak

a kreutsch, route 1, usa 53511

This is excellent news!

Are British Moslems ever anything other than insulted and outraged? I really wonder what planet these people live on!!

Patricia, Ipswich, England

I said it before and I'll say it again ... we don't need the Muslim Council of Britain and all these other so called Muslim groups who apparently speak for all teh UK Muslims.
It's all about power and politics and never about what is right.

If this guy was indeed saying those things then damn right he shouldn't be allowed in the UK.

Mr. Cameron et al, well done.

A R - UK Muslim

A R, Leeds,

I don't usually think much of David Cameron. He usually just scores cheap points and follows which way the wind is blowing - but this time I believe he is right.

If we say something against these 'clerics', it is labelled 'race hate' but if they say the equivalent or worse, it is their 'right'. Our right is to block entry to anyone that we want. It is still our country, so far.

Just a small point really, but why do the 'Muslim Council of Britain' not use the proper name for our land - Great Britain. Is it a calculated insult?

J B, Barnsley, Yorkshire

Keep him out ................ I should think so - and the same goes for the rest of them that want to kill and maim us - we don't want anymore of these people in our green and (still a bit) pleasant land.

Marty, London, England

At last a politician (D. Cameron) who has pressured this government to refuse entry to this foreigner. What does he want to come here for, to stir up hatred I expect. I am sick and tired of the appeasement of muslims in this country and to tell you the truth I am sick of seeing contraversial mullahs and the like glaring out at me from the television and newspapers.
I for one will not be voting for a labour government at the next election, for 10 years they have shown in my opinion to be absulutely incompetent and worse, sleezy.

j.dite, cardiff, u.k.

Well done David Cameron. At last a stance which makes it clear that only those who will contribute positively to British life, and do not seek undermine the values and opinions of its citizens through hatred and violence, should be accepted into our country.

Matt, Cambridge, UK

So all the Muslims in Great Britain feel offended (yet again) because someone who basically back suicide bombers, wants Israel destroyed and also wants the death penalty for homosexuality.

Bloody hell, this bloke sounds like a trouble making lunatic, what possible good could ever come of him visiting here? It's reactions from Muslim organisations like this that is casting them in an ever darker light.

Well done David Cameron!

Greg, London,

Obviously some people have not ' grown ' or had their minds ' raised ' by ' diversity ' of ' feeling '. Shame on you being against this old tourist.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

Why is Islam in the media so much, from headscarf to Visas? Has anyone actually read what the quran rather then going by whats on the media or Islam hating websites?

Tom, London,

I agree completely with CA , Manchester. It's time these groups stopped sheltering in our blind spots. They are intellectually (in a loose sense of the word) dishonest and cowardly. Do any of these blowhards actually contribute anything useful to this country? Are they all here legitimately? I think a rigorous check needs to be made. They are becoming more than a nuisance.

Roger, Yarrow,

Excellent news. Finally the government has taken a stand against this sort of rubbish. Why on earth should someone who preaches hate and extreme religious views be allowed into the UK for free NHS treatment?

Katherine, Bromley, Kent,

The Muslim Council of Britain is completely two-faced. Here they are claiming to want to defend free speech. "These principles are worth defending, especially if we would like to see them spread throughout the world".

But when it came to defending the right of free speech of Salman Rushdie or Danish cartoonists, Muslims everywhere demonstated in the most inflammatory manner possible that they do not value free speech. They only want one-sided propaganda in favour of Islam & Muslims. If they truly believe in free speech they should stop trying to bully people who say or do things which they disagree with.

John Bohan, Liverpool, UK

When is the MCB going to come out an denounce the often inflammatory pronouncements of radical clerics for once rather than claiming constantly to be 'offended'. Perhaps if there was a feeling that they were not so blinkered in their view then one would feel more sympathetic to what they had to say. These clerics are quite happy to abuse our democratic system of free speech (which clearly does not exist in the majority of places where they spout their nonsense).

JS, London, UK

I agree with all the above views and I hope the government will see how we in the UK support this move - it is time for us to be recognised and for govt and Muslims to remember this is OUR country and we have been too tolerant too long. Everyone should speak up. Anyone living in the UK should respect UK culture and traditions, if they dont like it ???? they can leave anytime!

Pauline, Cheltenham, England

As a Muslim I am in complete support of the government’s decision. The view expressed by the MCB or the BMI could not be further from the truth! Its about time that these organisations shoulder responsibility for promoting an extreme version of Islam and for aiding individuals with extreme views and tendencies.

Amir, London, UK

"Any Muslim group that expresses fury over the barring of someone who supports mass murder should be thoroughly investigated.

CA, Manchester, UK"

I couldn't have said it better. I have nothing whatever against moderate Muslims, but radicals should NOT be permitted to enter this country--ever. An excellent decision, and hopefully a sign of changing times.

Vladimir, London,

spot on. its time we showed britain is not a soft touch to people who preach hate against it. there are plenty of cultures worldwide that hate our western way of life as many as respect and covet what we have.all cultures take time to evolve, what were christians doing in europe in their 15th century..witch hunts anyone? double standards exist in our culture as well. is belief the death of intelligence? seems so.

jim, bristol, avon

It is wrong for the MCB to take a stance on behalf Muslims in a simple case of refusal to admit to the UK an advocate (not just a supporter) of terrorist and inhumane acts. If British Muslims receive a message of restriction of freedom of speech then I should be very much surprised.

Personally, I would be please to see Mr al-Qaradawi in the UK for the sole purpose of entering into a televised debate with opponents of his beliefs. However, I do not believe that entry for the purposes of restricted viewing preaching falls within informed debate.

I have just visited the BMI website and I am saddened if not surprised that the organisation should feel it necessary to set out in its agenda "About BMI" with such a negative aspect.

It is also a sad indictment that praise is heaped upon our politicians for doing what they were elected to do which is to act in the best interests of the nation as a whole - regardless of race, religion, colour etc., etc.

Mike L, London, UK

This man supports suicide attacks. The country has enough problems without him coming here preaching hatred (it's certainly not love he's preaching if he supports suicide bombers).
Muslims citing Nick Griffin's movements need to remember that he has a right to be here in the first place. We don't condone his beliefs but he has, as Nathan rightly put it, the right to debate them openly. Preaching however is not debating and I don't for one second believe that this guy would be coming here to listen to our point of view.
I would also be interested to know who was going to be paying for his medical treatment?
The right decision has been made and I fully support it.

Rob, Reading, Berkshire

This seems to have become the typical knee-jerk reaction of muslim extremists, or their supporters to anyone who dares to confront or challenge them. Instead of recognising our country's right as a democracy NOT to allow such radicals to enter the country preaching messages of we are instead immediately branded as racist, intolerant infidels.
What next...one day someone might inadvertantly give the call a cuddly toy Yusuf and then there will be hell to pay!

David Latham, Sheffield, Yorkshire

Why does this man have to come to England for treatment - probably at our expense? The people who he preaches hate against have to pay his bills to make him well?
I don't think so.

Well done the Government.

Sean, Wein, Austria

If those are really the policies he stands by: beating of wives, murder of pedestrians and death to all homosexuals then he must expect opposition. Even as a fundamentalist he must see his opinions are rather radical and going to rub some people up the wrong way. Furthermore if we are to believe that the Muslim council of Britain support these Draconian beliefs I think we need to seriously question whether any Muslims should be allowed in the country let alone Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
What is he a doctor of anyway, I'm guessing not philosophy.

Jerry, Norwich,

"Yusuf al-Qaradawi, a controversial Muslim cleric who defends suicide attacks, has been refused a visa to enter to the UK after a campaign by David Cameron."

I rarely see something that the government does that makes me feel better. This does and im glad.

Regardless of religion, supporting suicide attacks is criminal. The less people who are influenced or brainwashed by this kind of intent the better.

Steve, Leeds, West Yorkshire

At long last our government can be see to be doing something for the right reasons.

Surely there is no arguement in favour of this man coming to Britain. He hates the place so I dont understand why he would want to come here other than to cause trouble.

keep him out and get the others who share his views out!

Stuart, Romford,

I applaud the governments decision to deny the cleric's entry into the UK. The government recently acknowledgement that to quell the spread of extremist ideologies, you need to monitor and control the ways in which ever increasing numbers of young British muslims access this information. Had they allowed this preacher of hate into the country it would have rendered this null and void.

Well done, Westminster, for finally showing some conviction and not giving into the MBC's pressure.

Alex Clough, Manchester, UK

I am a Muslim male and do not like the fact that views from organisation such as the `MCB` and `BMI` are deployed as the views of Muslims as a whole. This is not helped by the media who quote these so called leaders as the voice of Islam and shed everyone in a bad light. If anyone, regardless of religion, spreads hate then they should not be allowed in to a country. Just like how we treat football hooligans here in the UK.

Karim, London,

Who cares about the voting effects of the 1.6 million Muslims in the UK? the fact is, everyone else is for what has happened here. So there is no negative impact. Unless it concerns the heartlands of Bradford or Leeds which will never change over from Labour.

The UK will not put up with such type of preachers any more, just like all the other European countries, citing Switzerland as being the best example. Well done David Cameron.

Pinociti, Zurich, Swizterland

Wait a minute...how is mr David Cameron or anyone else going to stop radicals from downloading or listening/viewing (YouTube?) his speeches online?

The British government will have to monitor every single Muslim household which has a PC and Internet access. Furthermore, when Muslims go out...it would be best if they were followed just incase they visit an internet cafe...

Mohammed, London, UK

Good on the government and good on David Cameron. Finally people are waking up to the hateful incitement and damage people like this can cause!

Adam, Washington, DC

Who said we don't have a "pro zionist lobby" in UK?

jayil, london, uk

The Project for New American Century ( whose membership includes Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, Jeb Bush,Lewis "Scooter" Libby etc) openly advocate the use of race-specific biological weapons to further their political ambitions.

"...advanced forms of biological warfare
that can “target” specific genotypes may
transform biological warfare from the realm
of terror to a politically useful tool."
(Rebuilding Americas Defenses P.60)

I hope that people associated with this organisation will be similarly barred from ever visiting these shores.
But I somehow doubt it.

Fraser, Edinburgh,

"disgraceful, David Cameron is not doing himself any favours in the eyes of the UK's 1.6 Million Muslims. If he wants to win elections he needs to learn to listen instead of following his foolish colleague Michael Gove.

Akram, London"

Aah, but what about the remaining 58.5 Million Non-Muslims who don't all live in the same little consituencies?

Andy, London, UK

“I am afraid this decision will send the wrong message to Muslims everywhere about the state of British society and culture,”

It will send the right message to Muslims everywhere. Free countries will not be a platform for spreaders of hate and intolerance. We do not accept that women are second class citizens, that people should blow themselves up and kill hundreds of innocents or that homosexuals should be put to death.

After reading the guy's beliefs, I do not accept that Islam is a religion of tolerance.

Steve, Reading, Berkshire

I like that he condemns the West yet is happy to enjoy the benefits of the health service here.

Josephine, London,

thank goodness they've kept him out, it may have been interesting though, if he was allowed in, to see the reactions to any speeches he might have made. keep him out and keep Turkey out of th EU as well!

Tony, lancashire, uk

Quote: "Muhammad Sawalha, the BMI president, said: “We would have to go as far back as the medieval age when scholars were hounded and vilified in order to find a similar retrograde decision.” "
So what does Muhammad Sawalha have to say about the appalling Sharia Law decision in Iran to stone two poor women to death for alleged adultery?

Richard, Kidderminster, England

As far as I can see there are 32 comments and only one from Akram stating any kind of tolerance or support for this nasty little man.

So there are a few possibilities:

a) not many Muslims make comments in the Times online forums
b) not many Muslims think this guy's worth defending
c) the BMI and MBC don't represent the opinions of most British Muslims

My money's on C.

Imagine yourself living in a foreign country, not for a few years, but moving there forever. Lots of other former Brits live there too. Most of them will get on with their lives, working, raising families, playing football and watching telly. One or two eccentrics might set up a "Representative Council of Brits" promoting bad sports teams, fat women, fish & chips and stiff upper lips but they'd be the weirdos. Everyone else would find them slightly embarrasing. Is this the case with the MBC and the BMI? I have no idea. Can anyone fill me in? Do they really express the opinions of normal British muslim? Let me know.

Richard, London, UK

I am sure if muslims desparately wish to hear the gentleman talk they will beat a path to his door!

It is my right to be outraged if he is allowed entry and I would be!

Although I am an advocate of a resolution to the Palestinian problem and abhor the Israeli industrialised attacks and the incarceration of a high percentage of Palestinians, I can not condone the inhuman practice of suicide bombing!

Jim Golightly, Prudhoe, England

"“Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit. These principles are worth defending, especially if we would like to see them spread throughout the world.” Oh, really? This from the same group that did not want the Danish Muhammad cartoons published in the UK! Thank you Britain for finally waking up!

Daniela Sunders, San Jose, CA, United States

Akram of London (below) seems to be mistaken, David Cameron is doing the UK's 1.6 Million Muslims and all other British residents a huge favour in protecting us from someone promoting murder!

Claire, Liverpool,

At last!! Something sensible has come from the Government. Still, I suppose we'll be paying him compensation before we know it.

I despair!!

David, Nottingham, UK

very good! yes we respect different culture, THEY (extremist)DON'T. So, no sorry people with that kind of attitude you are not welcome!!!
Thank you David Cameron

Nowak, London, UK

Qaradawi is simply a prejudist double faced hypocrite. The decision to ban him is wise. I hope there is more tougher stands against preachers of hatred & fanatcism.

s.g, cairo,

I'm sure that the comments agreeing with the actions of David Cameron represent the groundswell of opinion. I agree with them also and hope that this marks a return to sense. Multiculturalists are trying to destroy the fabric of this country while we sit, like frogs in a pan of oh-so-gently heating water.

Jolie, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Finally, the British Bull Dog has woken up from hibernation and growled almighty loud ...... Thank you.

Sid, Isle of Wight, England

At last! it takes atorie to make the country see sense. If the Muslims so want to see him then let them go and see him where he is allowed and let their re entry be refused so britain can become a bit more peaceful.

We don't need hate clerics here

shaking, Asuncion, UK

I find it quite nauseating that the BMC will cry foul over refusing a visa but stay completely mute over a young girl forced into a false marriage then forced into prostitution.

Let's hear the BMC denounce suicide bombings, wife beating and death sentences for homosexuals before they start moaning about denied visas. There is no place for this hatred in a modern society.

Ian, London,

at last some sense has prevailed.why cant the government take this positive stance in other matters?

paul kelly, limehouse, england

It's rather odd to read that a Muslim said: “Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech...", especially since they do not believe it necessary for the religion (?) and society Muslims wish to enforce upon the world.

Michael Gray, Pontotoc, Mississippi/USA

I think the decision to ban him is the only sensible one that can be made. Supporting suicide bombers, beating wives and death sentences does not make him much of a scholar in my opinion.
Whilst we should be tolerant of others we should not bow down and allow people to import ideas and beliefs that are dangerous and alien to us regardless of whether muslims around the world will think less of the state of our culture.

Dave, Chesterfield, UK

Britain has long been a tolerant country but this is being taken advantage of in recent years, how many Muslim countries promote free speech? How many Muslim States would allow someone to travel there and preach that blowing up women and children is ok because their Muslim? Why should my family and I be fair game to being blown up just because we have different beliefs? I do not believe their beliefs are justification enough to blow them up. If Muslims want tolerance of their beliefs then they should tolerate the beliefs of others.

Rob , London,

Congratulations to the government for refusing entry to this man - and shame on the Muslim Council of Britain for supporting this man, who views, quite frankly, verge on the side of hate.

Paul Singh, London, UK

To say that the decision is an 'insult to British Muslims' is pathetic. It would be an insult to every British resident to provide such an individual with a platform to promote hatred within the UK. Well done to the government for making the right decision for all of us.

Adam , St Helens,

If the MCB considers this to be an affront to their sensibilities then I'd wager the HM Borders and Immigration service have made the right choice.

When was the last time the MCB spoke for anything other than the most lunatic fringes of British muslim society?

The MCB cares deeply about free speech, as long as it's not extended to anyone attacking or questioning their activities and policies in their efforts to radicalize British muslims.

John Swaine, Colchester, UK

What rubbish: there is no room for promoting suicide bombing in "scholarly debate". How much do the BMI think about the people living with the consequences of the London bombings when they come out with such ludicrous arguments. An insult to British muslims? More like an insult to intelligence.

fergus, London, UK

Beat disobedient wives and suicide attacks? And the MCB think he should be allowed in? Think again.

David, Barcelona,

What planet are these people on!!!!!!!!

When in Rome do as the Romans. In a Muslim country a teacher was sent to prison for insulting their religion. In Britain the government decided to decline a visa for someone who was deemed a threat to peace and security. I really don't see what the big deal is.

It's about time the government put it's foot down stood up to Islamic extremists.

Stephanie , Birmingham,

I am glad to see that eventually someone has the good sense to stand up for Britain and stop this cowtowing to ridiculous radicals who advocate the destruction of the society and culture that they seem so keen to visit.
I hope this is the first step to a resurgent Britain who does what is best for her citizens rather than being the apologist doormat of the West.

Suzie, London,

"But the Zionist lobby placed huge pressures to block the visa application and Prime Minister Gordon Brown eventually backed that position,"...

Any excuse to start with this again. Give me a break. This ''scholar'' incites hatred and is an open and vehement supporter of terrorism. I don't understand the outrage.

Sol, London,

Free speech is like pregnancy you either are or you aren't, you either have it or you don't. Britain doesn't simply because there are taboo subjects. The real rulers of Britain are the ones behind the scenes, the ones you can't criticise just as in any totalitarian state.

Keith Bentham, Wigan, Lancashire

Supporters say that Dr al-Qaradawis is highly respected and revered thoroughout the Muslim world. In that case, why does he not go to a Muslim country for treatment?

DAVID, Burnley, England

At last, a sensible decision not clouded by destructive political correctness. The goverenment must now build on its promise to fight extremism by blocking further requests to enter the UK by those who come here only to preach against our fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, the government must also seek to continue the deportation of those who pose a serious security risk to this country. The safety and well-being of tolerant, law abiding citizens, of whatever religion, must be paramount and should not be a political issue.

Jack, London,

It seems to me there's a contradiction of those who would argue that not allowing him into the UK is denying someone who has the right to freedom of speech, when that very person is an advocate of not only denying people the right to freedom of sexual choice but executing people it.

Extreme religious views and the conviction to support suicide bombing to communicate these are a dangerous combination of which we have enough of to deal with in the UK already.

Andre Dent, Glasgow, Scotland

Good. It proves the point that free speech has a limit and is not absolute. When free speech threatens public safety it should be restrained. When free speech becomes a propagander tool for introducing alien and publicly repugnant cultures it should be restrained. I wish the message is always the same but it is not, it depepnds on who it is being told to. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Muhammad, Cambridge,

For once, good on the government, saying no to this preacher of hate.

jan, kent, uk

As a white Christian woman, I am grateful that David Cameron and the Tories have had the guts to stand up to the manipulation by certain Muslim groups when he condemned the entry into the UK of Yusuf al-Qaradawi. This Muslim cleric justifies innocent slaughter and would subjugate every woman to bestial abuse by men. As a woman brought up in a lberal democracy, I fear what such preachers can do. This Labour government under the leadership of either Brown or Blair has been so cowardly in its defence of freedom and decency. It is refreshing that David Cameron and his party felt so strongly as to mount real opposition to the entry. And irony and ironies, this despicable cleric wanted Western medical help when he goes out of his way to condemn us.

karen , Macclesfield,

I find it highly amusing that a man who claim "Islam can solve all the worlds problems" travels to France for medical treatment.

Pedro, Stratford,

Well done Mr Cameron, why on earth do we want people like Yusuf al-Qaradawi in this country.

DP, Shoreham, UK

I am surprised that we are not simply able to ban him on health and safety grounds - ours.

Dave, slough,

Is anyone else getting tired of this Islamic double standards? Muslims who support blowing up innocent people are okay, but criticising Muslims who support blowing up innocent people is a wicked Western act of hatred and anti-Islamic prejudice?

Neil S, Glasgow, Scotland

Religion of Intolerance me thinks

Michael, leeds, west yorkshire

disgraceful, David Cameron is not doing himself any favours in the eyes of the UK's 1.6 Million Muslims. If he wants to win elections he needs to learn to listen instead of following his foolish colleague Michael Gove.

Akram, London,

Any Muslim group that expresses fury over the barring of someone who supports mass murder should be thoroughly investigated.

CA, Manchester, UK

And this week, the Muslims will be deeply offended and outraged by [insert trivial event here]

Sam, Ipswich, UK

Whether officially or unofficially we don't allow the BNP to teach their beliefs or holocaust revisionists to teach their theirs.

We do allow them to debate in open forums where both sides of the argument can be put and criticised.

What would this Cleric's purpose here be? To teach which we should disallow or to debate openly which should be alowed?

Nathan , Inverness, UK

Common sense at last - and not before time

John , Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK

Finally we see sense and do the right thing

Bill, Sheffield,

I'm not surprised that the Muslim Council of Britain is 'deploring' the decision to block this man's entry into the UK. They are increasingly being shown up to be an organisation with definite leanings towards radicalism. Why else would they defend the 'right' of a man who supports suicide bombing to come here? If they represent an Islam that is 'peaceful' and loving, shouldn't they instead be condemning him and his teachings...??

Ben, London, UK

Muhammad Sawalha, the BMI president, said: “We would have to go as far back as the medieval age when scholars were hounded and vilified in order to find a similar retrograde decision.”

You don't have to go back that far Mr Sawalha - just look to Iran and Saudi Arabia for how they supress nearly all freedom of expression. I look forward to a similiar villifcation of those countries from his organisation.

David, London,