21/7 terrorist 'should face ban from London'

Home Secretary Theresa May came under pressure today to ban a freed 21/7 terrorist from London.

Siraj Yassin Abdullah Ali helped five would-be bombers as they planned an attack in the capital two weeks after the 7/7 atrocities in 2005.

The 35-year-old was today at the centre of public fury after it emerged he has been released after serving half his nine-year sentence - but cannot be deported because it would breach his human rights. He is now free to use the Tube and bus system which was targeted six years ago.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper told the Standard: "The Government should consider whether released terrorists, who in their view still pose a risk, should be subjected to control orders and banned if necessary from London on national security grounds. Strenuous efforts should also be made to improve the ability for deportation."

Keith Vaz, Labour chairman of the Commons home affairs committee, called for swift action to deal with Ali, an al Qaeda fanatic who is the foster brother of failed 21/7 bomber Yassin Omar. He said: "If it requires relocation powers, they should be used."

Ali, who is living in a bail hostel in north London, was seen last week getting on a bus and later wandering into Willesden Green station in Brent. Originally from Eritrea, he cannot be returned there after a judge ruled he could face "inhumane treatment or punishment".

Graham Foulkes, whose son David, aged 22, died in the Edgware Road Tube explosion on 7/7, said: "These people were plotting to commit mass murder - what about the human rights of victims' families? These people had no consideration for the women and children they were trying to kill. How can they claim we should look after and support them?"

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Public protection is our top priority. Serious offenders on licence are subject to a strict set of controls."