US Koran-burning pastor says will fight all moves to bar him from UK

FLORIDA - Firebrand American pastor Terry Jones on Monday said that he would fight all moves to ban him from coming to Britain because of his recent threat to burn the Koran.

Jones caused an outrage earlier this year when he announced plans by his Florida-based church to burn copies of the Koran to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.

He insisted that he would be bringing a “positive message” for the English people when he makes his planned visit to address an English Defence League (EDL) rally in Luton in February.

British Home Secretary Theresa May is facing calls to bar Pastor Jones from entering the country following the disclosure that he had been invited to address the EDL.

Pastor Jones said he would resist any attempt by his government to prevent him from coming to Britain.

“I don’t know if I would just simply accept that. I think I would protest that,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I would hope that that would not be the case, because I have given my word that we will not do anything against the law, or do anything that would cause an uprising or violence,” The Telegraph quoted him, as adding.

Despite the controversy caused by his plans to burn the Koran - eventually called off after President Barack Obama warned it would be a “recruitment bonanza” for al Qaeda - he suggested he would be a moderating influence on the EDL. (ANI)