Qatada and a last chance for justice

EVERYONE who values national security will rejoice that Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe is back where he belongs, behind bars.

It is encouraging, too, that the Home Secretary believes she now has the necessary assurances from Jordan that will allow her to deport Abu Qatada to face trial there on terror charges.

But it is no more than encouraging. For Qatada could appeal yet again to the European Court of Human Rights – seven years after Britain first sought to deport him and nearly 20 since he arrived here on a forged passport. Such an appeal could take months. And the court may still find in his favour.

Indeed, with the Strasbourg hurdle yet to be cleared, we have hardly progressed since February 2009, when Britain’s highest court agreed unanimously that Qatada could be kicked out.

Could any case better illustrate the vital importance of this week’s meeting of the ECHR’S ruling Council of Europe, at which ministers hope to rein in the court’s powers and streamline its procedures?

Since Britain’s presidency of the council expires next month, this will be our last chance of securing meaningful reform. Yet, despite Ken Clarke’s all- too predictable blandishments, there are worrying signs that the Government’s proposals are being watered down. How can we remain a member of the ECHR, if it continues to mock our own courts, parliament and people?

The Mail offers one cheer for Qatada’s re-arrest, and will raise another on the day he is marched to the plane.

The full three cheers must wait, however, until Strasbourg is brought to heel – and British justice is restored to supremacy.