ISLAMIC extremists denied entry to the United States would be banned automatically from Britain under anti-terror measures outlined by the Cabinet yesterday. Charles Clarke plans to prevent Muslim figures such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Tariq Ramadan entering the United Kingdom if they have been barred from the US or European Union.

Dr al-Qaradawi, who backed Palestinian suicide bombers, was controversially invited to London last year by the Mayor, Ken Livingstone. But applications by anyone banned from the US or other countries would be referred to the Home Secretary automatically under the new plan. The Government has faced criticism for failing to act against those barred from the EU and US. Professor Ramadan, who is barred from the US, is in London this week for a conference.

The Home Office is also preparing a package of measures to tackle terrorism and extremist clerics. The Government is renewing efforts to reach agreement with North African countries to deport suspect terrorists and troublemakers there. Kim Howells, a junior Foreign Office minister, is in Morocco on a tour of North African states to discuss the issue.

He has already been to Algeria and Tunisia on visits that were arranged before last week’s London bombings.

Under human rights laws Britain cannot deport anyone to a country where they might be subject to inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Cabinet agreed that it was vital to secure agreement with North African nations such as Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. Whitehall sources said that any agreement would have to be at the highest level to satisfy the Government and judiciary that deportations would not lead to any risk of inhuman treatment.

Mr Clarke is also looking at ways of tightening controls on asylum-seekers and those with “indefinite leave to remain” in Britain, including prohibiting encouragement of terrorism. Those who breach conditions would lose their right to stay.

Under existing laws Mr Clarke can deport any people given indefinite leave to remain in Britain if their presence is not in the “public interest”. A person given asylum can be kicked out if convicted of a serious crime but cannot be sent to a country where there would be a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment.

He can also strip a person of British citizenship, but only for treason and other activities against the interest of the country, and then only if it would not make the person stateless. It seems certain that new laws against “encouragement” of terrorism will be given urgent priority.

Mr Clarke will outline to the opposition the suggested new offences — such as committing acts preparatory to terrorism and “glorifying or endorsing” terror acts — on Monday.

BANNED IN USA

Tariq Ramadan is an Islamic academic who justifies suicide bombings.

He is the grandson of the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic revival movement which criticises western decadence and argues for a return to Muslim values.

Professor Ramadan was brought up in Geneva and after marrying he went to Egypt.

He has been banned from France and is accused in Spain of having links with an Algerian al-Qaeda operative.

Yusuf al-Qaradawi, 78, said that the victims of the tsunami deserved their punishment and that the earthquake was Allah’s punishment for the “acts of abomination” practised in tourist areas.

Dr al-Qaradawi condemns homosexuality, advocates wife-beating and describes suicide bombers as martyrs.

When the Egyptian-born cleric visited Britain a year ago, Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, twice shared a platform with him.

He is a leading member in the Muslim Brotherhood and last year the Crown Prosecution Service ruled that he had not committed a criminal offence over his support for suicide bombings.

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