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Abu Hamza faces extradition to US Abu Hamza faces extradition to US
(about 1 hour later)
Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri faces extradition to the United States on terror charges.Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri faces extradition to the United States on terror charges.
The Egyptian-born preacher is currently serving a seven-year jail term in the UK for inciting murder and race hate.The Egyptian-born preacher is currently serving a seven-year jail term in the UK for inciting murder and race hate.
The 49-year-old from west London is wanted by the American authorities on 11 charges. Abu Hamza, 49, of west London is wanted by the US authorities on charges which include providing support to Al Qaeda.
City of Westminster Magistrates Court approved the extradition in November and the decision has now been ratified by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. The extradition - approved in November - has now been ratified by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. Abu Hamza's lawyer says he will appeal against it.
Terrorism allegationsTerrorism allegations
Ms Smith has signed an extradition order which Abu Hamza has 14 days to appeal against. Abu Hamza's lawyer, Muddassar Arani, said: "There are some very serious issues that need to be considered."
Abu Hamza has 14 days to appeal against the extradition.
If there is no successful appeal he will be handed over to the American authorities within 28 days.If there is no successful appeal he will be handed over to the American authorities within 28 days.
The US government wants to put Abu Hamza on trial over allegations that he funded terrorism, organised a "terrorist training camp" in Oregon between 1998 and 2000, and conspired to take 12 Westerners hostage in Yemen in 1998. The US government wants to put Abu Hamza on trial on 11 charges.
It alleges that he funded terrorism, organised a "terrorist training camp" in Oregon between 1998 and 2000, and conspired to take 12 Westerners hostage in Yemen in 1998.
The American charges carry a potential jail sentence of 100 years. Abu Hamza's lawyers claim US evidence has been gained through torture.The American charges carry a potential jail sentence of 100 years. Abu Hamza's lawyers claim US evidence has been gained through torture.
'Excellent news''Excellent news'
Khalid Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Perry Bar, welcomed the home secretary's decision.Khalid Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Perry Bar, welcomed the home secretary's decision.
He said: "This sends out a clear message to preachers of hate - you are not welcome.He said: "This sends out a clear message to preachers of hate - you are not welcome.
"Those who propagate evil, hate and division cannot be a part of British society."Those who propagate evil, hate and division cannot be a part of British society.
"This is excellent news for Britain's Muslim community. For too long Abu Hamza tarnished their name and now they will be delighted to learn he will face further charges in the US.""This is excellent news for Britain's Muslim community. For too long Abu Hamza tarnished their name and now they will be delighted to learn he will face further charges in the US."
Abu Hamza was convicted in February 2006 of 11 of the 15 charges he faced in the UK.Abu Hamza was convicted in February 2006 of 11 of the 15 charges he faced in the UK.
He became well known as the imam of Finsbury Park mosque in north London but was dismissed from his position in 2003 after making speeches supporting al-Qaeda and criticising the invasion of Iraq.He became well known as the imam of Finsbury Park mosque in north London but was dismissed from his position in 2003 after making speeches supporting al-Qaeda and criticising the invasion of Iraq.