David Cameron to announce new curbs on the Muslim Brotherhood

New curbs on the Muslim Brotherhood will be announced by David Cameron in the next few weeks, The Times reports.

An independent review was launched into the Islamist group two years ago after pressure grew from Saudi Arabia and Egypt to tackle the group's activities in the UK. Saudi Arabia, who have outlawed the group, complained that London was one of their main bases.

Cameron ordered the review headed by Sir John Jenkins, a former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, amid concerns that he did not know enough about the group's activities in London.

The Sunni Islamist group rose to political power in the Middle East amid the Arab Spring and the rise of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected President who was a member of the Brotherhood. However although the group used to enjoy support from Arab nations in the latter part of the 20<sup>th century, it is now considered a terrorist organisation by Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Although the measures recommended by the report will not be announced for a few weeks, it is understood that Cameron will brief the Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, on the effects of the review during his visit to London, which began yesterday. Insiders say the report calls for closer monitoring of the group.

Sisi, who became president in a military coup in July 2013, has severely restricted the group's freedom after ousting Morsi.

There have been several delays to publishing the report which was completed before the election in May. Initially this was due to a disagreement with then deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg over how it would be presented.

A further delay was then caused when Home Secretary Theresa May was concerned a row with the Muslim Brotherhood would not help effort to tackle jihadi propoganda. Some of May's advisors on Islamic relations are thought to be related to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Lord Macdonald, who advised the Brotherhood during the review, said in The Times he suspected Downing Street was struggling to make "a response they can sell to the Saudis as some sort of crackdown, but which isn't must more than window dressing."

"Ministers are probably nervous that any substantive measures might provoke a judicial review, forcing the disclosure and publication of Sir John Jenkins's report. Since this is widely believed to have expressed scepticism at the idea that the Muslim Brotherhood represents any kind of security threat in the UK, such a development could be very embarrassing indeed," he said.

Meanwhile protests have greeted Sisi's arrival in the UK as hundreds gathered outside Downing Street accusing him of mass human rights violations.

related articles
Archbishop of Canterbury and Grand Imam: We must work together to defeat ISIS
Archbishop of Canterbury and Grand Imam: We must work together to defeat ISIS

Archbishop of Canterbury and Grand Imam: We must work together to defeat ISIS

Coptic Christians remain in hiding from Muslim brotherhood
Coptic Christians remain in hiding from Muslim brotherhood

Coptic Christians remain in hiding from Muslim brotherhood

The \'Muslim invasion\' of Europe: Do the numbers add up?
The 'Muslim invasion' of Europe: Do the numbers add up?

The 'Muslim invasion' of Europe: Do the numbers add up?

Islamic State bomb caused Russian plane crash, security sources say
Islamic State bomb caused Russian plane crash, security sources say

Islamic State bomb caused Russian plane crash, security sources say

News
Ex-gay Christian put on trial in Malta forced to wait again for verdict
Ex-gay Christian put on trial in Malta forced to wait again for verdict

"Thank you for standing with me in prayer," said Grech outside the court.

The battle for Christian freedom of expression on the streets of London is far from over
The battle for Christian freedom of expression on the streets of London is far from over

Pro-free speech campaigners would be naïve to think that the culture of the Met will change overnight. 

European Parliament's recognition of 'Christianophobia' welcomed
European Parliament's recognition of 'Christianophobia' welcomed

The European Parliament has for the first time recognised the existence of “Christianophobia”.

Amid calls to 'make Britain Christian again', here are some questions for the Church
Amid calls to 'make Britain Christian again', here are some questions for the Church

Maybe Restore and Reform are not the best people to speak up for Christianity. But if not them, then who will?