Hamza appeals against extradition

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Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has signed the papers paving the way for Hamza, 49, to face terror charges.

But his lawyer, Muddassar Arani, confirmed an appeal would be mounted before the 14-day deadline.

She said: "We will definitely be appealing this decision. There are some very serious issues that need to be considered."

Hamza, who has served two years of a seven-year sentence for soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred, will face charges in the US that include providing support to al Qaida and involvement in a hostage-taking conspiracy.

The US government claims he was involved in a global conspiracy to wage jihad against the US and other western countries.

He is accused of involvement in the kidnapping of western tourists in the Yemen, helping to set up a terrorist training camp in America and funding the trip of a would-be jihadist to a terrorist training camp in the Middle East.

Ms Arani added: "We have been fighting for Abu Hamza to face these further charges here in the UK," Ms Arani said.

"It makes no sense to hold a trial elsewhere when most of the potential witnesses involved are based in this country.

"There are grave concerns about what might happen if the extradition goes ahead. The Americans have said he will not face the death penalty or be sent to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp - but how can we be sure? I also fear that if he was sent to America he would become a victim of torture."