Blair Proposes Strict Anti-Terror Measures (AP)

(Is this the beginning of or British equivalent of the "USA Patriot Act," or am I just being paranoid?

Aug 5, 6:05 PM EDT

Blair Proposes Strict Anti-Terror Measures

By MARA D. BELLABY
Associated Press Writer

LONDON (AP) -- Prime Minister Tony Blair proposed strict anti-terror measures Friday that would allow Britain to expel foreigners who preach hatred, close extremist mosques and bar entry to Muslim radicals. "The rules of the game are changing" following last month's bomb attacks, he declared.

The proposals, which also target extremist Web sites and bookshops, are aimed primarily at excluding radical Islamic clerics accused of whipping up hatred and violence among vulnerable, disenfranchised Muslim men.

"We are angry. We are angry about extremism and about what they are doing to our country, angry about their abuse of our good nature," Blair said. "We welcome people here who share our values and our way of life. But don't meddle in extremism because if you meddle in it ... you are going back out again."

The July 7 suicide attacks on London's transit system and the failed July 21 attacks stunned Britons, and raised fresh concern about the freedoms Britain offers to individuals and groups known for extremist activities. Blair said the focus of the anti-terror proposals was on foreigners because authorities believe "the ideological drive and push is coming from the outside."

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(more at link above)