Students at Middlesex University have this week reiterated their decision to allow the Islamic organisation Hizb ut Tahrir to continue its activities on campus, despite moves by the Government to ban the group.

A motion was approved by the Students' Union in December last year to allow the organisation, which is banned in Germany and much of the Middle East, to continue leafleting in the university.

The ban, along with a raft of new anti-terror legislation, was announced last week, but must pass through a number of parliamentary hoops before becoming law.

Keith Shilson, president of the Students' Union, said: "If Tony Blair wants to ban an organisation known to be responsible for acts of violence, he should ban the British National Party, not a non-violent Muslim organisation. The union wishes to uphold a policy that prevents Islamophobia on its campuses, and Hizb ut Tahrir is neither an extremist group, nor a group that supports terrorism. The organisation rejected the July 7 attacks, issuing a statement that said the bombings had no justification and were illegal according to Islamic law."

A statement from the union said: "Hizb ut Tahrir is an intellectual and political entity that seeks to change people's thoughts through intelligent discussion and debate."

But Andrew Dismore, the Labour MP for Hendon, argued that Hizb ut Tahrir is a dangerous force within Britain. "Groups such as Hizb ut Tahrir are preaching a message of hatred that endangers our society," he said. "Their aim is to overthrow our democracy and create a Taliban-style state.

"I have been at the forefront of the campaign for tougher measures since 1998. I am pleased that Omar Bakri Mohammed radical Islamic preacher has left London for Lebanon on Saturday and I hope he will not be allowed back."

Mr Dismore would like to hear his constituents' opinions on the new terror legislation and is sending out thousands of forms this week, asking for residents to express their views.