Luton protester's job at airport is reviewed

The Luton airport baggage handler who was revealed as a member of a hardline Islamist group which staged a demonstration against British troops is to have his job reviewed, his employers said today.

Jalal Ahmed was among a group of about 20 Muslims who protested at a homecoming parade by the Royal Anglian Regiment in Luton on Tuesday.

They carried posters calling the troops "Butchers of Basra".

The protest was run by a group calling itself Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah - believed to be an offshoot of Al Muhajiroun, the banned organisation founded by radical preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed.

Ahmed, who is in his twenties and lives in Luton, was photographed standing next to a poster saying "British Government Terrorist Government" as others alongside him hurled abuse at the parade.

He has worked as an occasional baggage handler for budget airline EasyJet at Luton airport for about two years, a post which requires criminal records and airport security checks.

Ahmed is employed by Menzies Aviation, which provides baggage handling services for the airport.

The company confirmed he was a contracted employee, who was asked to work according to demand.

He is not due to work there in the near future, but a spokesman for the company said his job would be reviewed by them in conjunction with Luton Airport.

The spokesman added: "As with any employee who is involved in questionable behaviour, we will be discussing his position with the airport authority."