Livingstone under fire over links to radical

Ken Livingstone is facing growing criticism over his links with the Muslim fundamentalist cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

The Mayor risks alienating a number of minority groups who have traditionally supported him.

A coalition including Hindus, Jews, students, gays and lesbians wants him to distance himself from the Qatarbased cleric, who has endorsed suicide bombing and the killing of homosexuals.

Dr Qaradawi attended a City Hall conference in the summer and there are fears he may take up the Mayor's invitation to return to London soon.

John Hunt, of gay rights group Outrage, says the Mayor has made "a serious blunder" in his dealings with Dr Qaradawi.

Three weeks ago the cleric called for Muslims to fight British troops and civilians in Iraq, saying they had a religious duty to use violence against UK and US "invaders".