Abu Qatada Debate

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Department: Home Office

Abu Qatada

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts
Thursday 19th April 2012

(12 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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Exactly. The point is that, as I said earlier, this comes as no surprise, as I think everybody would expect Abu Qatada and his lawyers to use whatever delaying tactics they can. As I have made absolutely clear, it is within the discretion of the panel of the Grand Chamber of the European Court to decide to accept a referral that is outside the deadline, so it is little wonder that Abu Qatada and his lawyers have made this attempt at a referral.

Ian C. Lucas Portrait Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)
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For the avoidance of doubt, will the Home Secretary confirm what is becoming increasingly clear: that she did receive advice from officials that there was ambiguity about the deadline? Also, as we are discussing important legal matters, why is the Attorney-General not present?