Radical cleric to be deported

Britain's highest court rejected suggestions that an extremist Muslim preacher once described as Osama bin Laden's ambassador in Europe faced torture if sent home to Jordan, clearing the way for his deportation.

Abu Qatada, who was jailed in 2002 over allegations he played a key role in raising money for extremists and advised militants planning terror attacks, has previously been convicted in Jordan for his role in two bombings. But lower courts said he couldn't be deported because of the torture risk — rulings reversed Wednesday by Britain's Law Lords.

Britain's Home Office moved immediately to expel him.

"I have signed Abu Qatada's deportation order, which will be served on him today," Britain's Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said in a statement. "I am keen to deport this dangerous individual as soon as I can."

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