Foreign terror groups banned in Britain

The British government has announced plans to ban twenty-one foreign organisations under a new anti-terrorism law.

The aim is to stop their supporters raising funds, recruiting members, acquiring weapons or spreading propaganda in Britain.

The majority of the listed movements are Muslim -- including anti-Israeli groups, three organisations fighting Indian rule in Kashmir and Al Qaida, the organisation of the Saudi dissident, Osama bin Laden.

The list, which has to be approved by parliament, also includes the Tamil Tiger guerrillas of Sri Lanka and the Basque separatist group, ETA.

A senior government official Charles Clarke rejected suggestions that Britain was acting under pressure from foreign governments.

Human rights campaigners say the ban may stifle legitimate protest against tyrannical regimes.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service