More extremists to be expelled from Britain

British Home Secretary Charles Clarke plans to move against scores of militants accused of stirring up hatred as soon as new immigration rules come into force at the weekend.

Clarke said last night that further expulsions were imminent and that it would be "absolutely foolish" to assume that there would not be a third terrorist attack in London.

"Now we are consulting on the list of unacceptable behaviours and that consultation ends on August 19. After that we will still be looking at further steps that need to be taken to ensure that those people who are working against the interests of this country are properly dealt with," he said.

The security services and immigration officials have drawn up a list of foreign extremists to be deported. Many are understood to be young clerics who have come in recent years from Pakistan and North Africa.

These so-called preachers of hate are not as well known as clerics such as Abu Qatada and Omar Bakri Mohammed but are seen as stirring up hatred and extremism among young followers.

Muslim leaders have been consulted about a number of suspects who are expected to be arrested shortly. Their identities are being kept secret for fear that the men may go into hiding before arrests can be made.

The list is expected to include owners of radical Islamic bookshops, writers, a number of teachers and website operators of different nationalities.