May quizzed over Qatada deportation

HOME Secretary Theresa May has come under pressure over the deportation of radical cleric Abu Qatada, with the chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee asking why he was still in Britain.

Labour’s Keith Vaz asserted that Ms May had gained “cast-iron guarantees” about the treatment of Qatada were he to return to Jordan, following her visit to the country for talks with King Abdullah this month.

He asked: Why is Mr Abu Qatada still in this country?”

Ms May replied: “Further work is being undertaken by the lawyers as we speak.” “

Qatada has been released from jail under a 22-hour curfew while the government seeks assurances from Jordan that evidence gained through torture would not be used in any trial against him.