Britain’s relations with key Gulf allies could be put in jeopardy as the government cracks down on the activities of the world’s largest Islamist movement but stops short of proscribing it as a terrorist organization, the Times reported on Thursday.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which is linked to Hamas and groups fighting for power in Libya, will be told to come clean about its “opaque” network of affiliates in Britain, which range from mosques and media outlets to businesses, charities and campaign groups.
A Whitehall unit has been created to enforce a consistent policy on the Brotherhood, cut its affiliates’ access to public sector grants, examine its financial and tax affairs and demand that groups linked to it disavow terrorism and promote social integration.
The tough stance is the result of a review of the movement by Sir John Jenkins, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the prime minister last year. The review is so politically and diplomatically sensitive that its publication has been delayed for five months and only a two-page executive summary will be issued next month.
Lorenzo Vidino, an expert on the organisation who contributed to the review, said: “This represents a new approach to the Muslim Brotherhood — both the organisation and its ideology. Britain will be using Al Capone tactics — like pulling them up for their tax affairs — to keep the Brotherhood in line.”
Westminster sources said that the movement was being put “on notice” and its activities were being closely scrutinised. David Cameron was said to have been enraged last year after the group’s leadership met in London without British intelligence being aware.