To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the remarks by Lord West of Spithead on 12 February (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 1232–36), what factors were taken into account by the Home Secretary in deciding whether the ban on Geert Wilders entering the United Kingdom would be in accordance with the European principle of proportionality. [HL1561]

As required by regulation 21(5) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006, the Home Secretary took into account the personal conduct of Mr Wilders, illustrated by his statements about Muslims and their beliefs. The Home Secretary considered that his statements were intended to incite racial and religious hatred and that his presence in the UK would, therefore, threaten community harmony and public security in the United Kingdom. As a result she took the view that Mr Wilders' presence in the United Kingdom would constitute a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat to fundamental interests of public policy and public security.

She decided it was proportionate that Mr Wilders be denied admission, despite his position as an elected Member of the Dutch Parliament and the freedom of movement he would normally have as a national of a member state of the EU. The Home Secretary's views were conveyed to the immigration officer who decided to refuse Mr Wilders admission to the UK.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will allow Mr Geert Wilders to visit the United Kingdom in a private capacity. [HL1752]

Any attempt by Mr Wilders to seek admission to the UK in the future would be decided on its own merits and in the light of the circumstances at that time. Factors that would be considered would include the purpose of his intended visit and any impact on our public policy of preventing extremists intent on stirring up hatred and division from entering the UK.