Government is considering a ban for Islamic extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir that called for jihad during an anti-Israel rally

An Islamic extremist group that called for jihad during an anti-Israel rally could be banned by the government, The Mail on Sunday reports.

Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), whose leader Abdul Wahid was exposed by the Ministry of Defense as a GP who kept his other identity secret, escaped bans during the premierships of Tony Blair and David Cameron.

But it is now believed that civil servants tasked by the Home Office to review the group’s activities recommended it be banned on extremist grounds.

Home Secretary James Cleverley is considering a ban that would be the first to ban a British Islamist group in 17 years.

If the government bans the group, participation in it could result in up to 14 years in prison, and those associated with it could have their bank accounts and assets frozen.

Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), whose leader Abdul Wahid was exposed by the Ministry of Defense as a GP who kept his other identity secret, escaped bans during the premierships of Tony Blair and David Cameron.

But it is now believed that civil servants tasked by the Home Office to review the group’s activities recommended it be banned on extremist grounds.

Home Secretary James Cleverley is considering a ban that would be the first to ban a British Islamist group in 17 years.

It is understood officials made their recommendations after seeing public outrage over protests outside the Egyptian embassy in October and Hizb ut-Tahrir leaders calling for jihad against Israel.

One well-placed source said: “A ban is being considered, but another aspect being considered is whether the law should be changed to prevent people from holding such protests again.”

HT leaders gave speeches outside the Egyptian embassy two weeks after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.

One speaker shouted to supporters: “What is the solution to freeing the people in the concentration camp called Palestine?” They chanted back: “Jihad! Jihad! Jihad!’

HT – considered the UK’s largest Islamic extremist organization with several thousand members – is already banned in Germany and several Islamic countries.

Last night a HT spokesman said: “While the UK government’s actions remain uncertain, it is important to recognize that while political parties may be banned, ideas persist beyond such measures.

“Political discourse and the desire for justice persist even in difficult circumstances.”

The Home Office said: “While the government keeps a list of banned organizations under review, we do not comment on whether a particular organization is being considered for prohibition or not.”