May to seek Jordan deal over Qatada ‘very soon’

HOME Secretary Theresa May is to visit Jordan “very soon” to try to strike a deal over the deportation of radical cleric Abu Qatada.

One of her ministers, James Brokenshire, who visited the country last month for talks about the case, said his boss was poised to take up the mantle.

Reports at the weekend suggested Ms May had already flown out for the meeting, but Home Office officials said the claims were “speculation”.

Mr Brokenshire said: “There was a strong recognition from the Jordanian government as to the responsibility they have for one of their own citizens.

“There are detailed legal issues that I discussed when I was in Jordan that are being worked through with our officials and lawyers, and the Home Secretary will be going out to Jordan very, very soon.”

Qatada, 51, was released from jail under strict bail conditions while the government seeks assurances that evidence gained through torture would not be used in any trial against him if he were sent back to Jordan.

But the man once described by a judge as Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe could be freed from his bail terms in three months if Mrs May fails to show significant progress is being made in the talks.