Abu Qatada (Deportation)

Chris Bryant Excerpts

Monday 8th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab)]

I, too, congratulate the Home Secretary and, in particular, the security Minister on the work that they have both done to get this good result. I was just thinking that it has taken 12 years to deport Abu Qatada—I think it took Andy Murray only seven years to win Wimbledon—so the whole country will be very pleased about this.

[Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)]

And five minutes for you to get that in.

[Hazel Blears]

But it is a very serious matter, and this is a dangerous individual who was a threat to this country. I urge the Home Secretary to say to other countries with which we do not have memorandums of understanding that this is a clear message that the British Government can ensure that someone is deported, that they are not tortured and that they receive a fair trial. We should say to countries that may have been a little reluctant that now is the time to step up their act and get those memorandums agreed.