UK to place 'curbs' on Muslim Brotherhood
Although it is unlikely the movement will be banned in the UK, it is highly speculated that restrictions will be put on the group especially by the Charity Commission.
World Bulletin / News Desk
The United Kingdom is on the verge of introducing curbs on the Muslim Brotherhood and organizations linked to it after senior diplomat and ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir John Jenkins, filed a report raising concerns over their connections to 'extremist' groups in the Middle-East.
The Telegraph's report on Sunday comes after Qatar requested seven senior Brotherhood leaders to leave their country, giving into pressure put on by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to halt the movement's activities around the world, particularly in Qatar, Turkey and the UK.
A copy of the report has been sent to Downing Street, and after analysis, will likely spur a statement from Prime Minister David Cameron's government at some point by the end of the year, officials said.
Although it is unlikely the movement will be banned in the UK, it is highly speculated that restrictions will be put on the group especially by the Charity Commission, after a Foreign Office diplomat told The Telegraph "There are other things that can be done but not a ban."
"It's a very comprehensive look at the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood in many countries. There have been submissions that have been given to us that are very sensitive. We couldn't go back to those places again if some of this information was put in the public domain," an unnamed diplomatic source told the newspaper.
"The report is thorough in pointing out the pitfalls of the Muslim Brotherhood but also its mainstream appeal and continuing role in the region," the diplomat added.
Despite the Muslim Brotherhood's Foreign Relations Secretary in London, Mohamed Soudan, saying that leading members are not fleeing from Cairo to London in January, Egypt's ambassador to Britain Ashraf Elkholy told The Telegraph: "London can be a hub. They are planning activities, such as opening a TV station and newspapers from here, that are part of their aims against us."
"The leadership here should be put under review by your side to be sure they have not incited things to be done in Egypt or in the Middle East," he said, adding "We take our own steps and our own plans to ensure our national security."
The Muslim Brotherhood was recently labelled a 'terrorist organisation' by the Egyptian government, as part of a campaign of political moves against the group, following the elected President Mohamed Morsi's removal from office by a military coup d'etat in July last year.