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Britain eyes rightist U.S. preacher

LONDON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A right-wing U.S. preacher who advocates burning the Koran could be barred from speaking in England, a government minister told Sky News.

Home Secretary Theresa May told Sky News Sunday there was concern about the potential religious and social strife that could result from a planned February visit by Terry Jones.

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The Gainesville, Fla., preacher with a congregation of fewer than 100 people has maneuvered his way into international media by threatening, but not fulfilling, a vow to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, aircraft terror attacks on the United States.

May told Sky News Jones "has been on my radar for a few months now" and his scheduled Feb. 5 speech to the English Defense League rally in Luton was under review.

"Of course the home secretary has the right to exclude people who are not conducive to public good or on national security grounds," she said.

Earlier, Jones told the network he was "by no means against Muslims," but rather "against … Shariah law and Muslims not willing to submit to the (U.S.) constitution."

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