Mr. Louis Farrakhan

HC Deb 23 July 1999 vol 335 cc731-2W

Mr. White

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a decision on whether the exclusion from the United Kingdom of Mr. Louis Farrakhan is to be maintained. [93266]

Mr. Straw

Last year, I informed Mr. Farrakhan that I was minded to maintain his exclusion from the United Kingdom on the grounds that his presence here would not be conducive to the public good for reasons of race relations and the maintenance of public order. Mr. Farrakhan was offered the opportunity to make further representations before I made my final decision.

I have carefully reviewed the case for his continued exclusion in the light of Mr. Farrakhan's representations and other relevant material. I have concluded that it remains the case that the exclusion of Mr. Farrakhan from the United Kingdom is conducive to the public good. Mr. Farrakhan's representatives have been informed of my decision today.