Netherlands' Wilders allowed into U.K.

LONDON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders arrived in London Friday and said his presence was a victory "for the freedom of speech."

The Guardian said Wilders, a member of the Dutch parliament and the head of the Party for Freedom, arrived at Heathrow Airport three days after his successful appeal of a decision to ban him from visiting the United Kingdom.

"Being here is a victory," Wilders said. "Not a victory for myself but for the freedom of speech. It is ridiculous that the U.K. government thought my presence would in any way lead to violence. I have nothing to do with violence, I am no extremist, I am a politician who is democratically elected."

The outspoken Wilders has come under fire from the Muslim Council of Britain, which called him a "relentless preacher of hate."

The Guardian said the asylum and immigration tribunal, an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice, overturned the U.K. travel ban on Wilders on Tuesday.

Wilders was originally invited to Britain to screen his controversial film "Fitna," which criticizes the Koran.