The controversial American preacher who called for the Koran to be burned on the anniversary of September 11 has hit back at his ban from the UK.
Pastor Terry Jones has described the move by the Home office to block his entry into Britain where he has a daughter and grandchildren as “unfair”.
“I have no intention of doing anything against British law,” Jones told Sky News.
“We feel this is definitely against constitutional rights to travel, freedom of speech. We believe that our visit there could be beneficial.”
However a Government spokesperson said: “The government opposes extremism in all its forms which is why we have excluded Pastor Terry Jones from the UK.”
“Numerous comments made by Pastor Jones are evidence of his unacceptable behaviour.”
“Coming to the UK is a privilege, not a right, and we are not willing to allow entry to those whose presence is not conducive to the public good. The use of exclusion powers is very serious and no decision is taken lightly or as a method of stopping open debate.”
The Florida-based pastor had originally been invited to speak at an event in Luton organised by far-right organisation, the English Defence League (EDL) but the invitation was withdrawn after a public outcry.
Pastor Terry Jones no longer invited by EDL
The pastor had decided to come to Britain anyway.
But now he isn’t coming at all.
