Bexley MP to fly to Jordan to discuss deportation of Abu Qatada (From News Shopper)

Bexley MP James Brokenshire to fly to Jordan to negotiate deportation of radical cleric Abu Qatada

11:39am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Jim Palmer

BEXLEY’S MP will fly to the Middle East as the UK tries to rid itself of the man once described by a judge as Osama bin Laden’s right hand man in Europe.

Old Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire will travel to Jordan in his role as Home Office Minister to attempt to secure the deportation of radical cleric Abu Qatada, who was freed from Long Lartin prison in South Littleton, Worcestershire on Monday (February 13).

Qatada, 51, has been assessed as a serious risk to national security and is being kept under strict bail conditions pending his removal although human rights judges in Europe ruled that he could not be deported to Jordan unless the country’s government can give assurances he would not be tortured to gain evidence.

A home office spokesman said: “Everyone is united in wanting this man deported.

“This Government will exhaust all avenues open to get Qatada on a plane.

“As we do so, we will continue to negotiate with the Jordanians to see what assurances we can be given about the evidence used against Qatada in their courts. James Brokenshire will travel to Jordan shortly.”