This is a delaying tactic from Abu Qatada. It is a delaying tactic which he chose to use only after he had seen the strength of the Government's case in the SIAC court yesterday.
The decision as to whether or not Abu Qatada remains in prison will be one that will be taken by the UK courts, if he chooses to apply for bail. Obviously, if he does, we will oppose that bail vigorously, as we did yesterday - we argued for his detention yesterday - and as we have done in the past.
I want to see Abu Qatada deported. I am absolutely clear that once we have got through this, we will resume those deportation proceedings.I want Abu Qatada to be on a plane to Jordan and I know that that is what the British public want. What the Government is absolutely focused on is making sure we can deport Abu Qatada.