• Killing: Obama watched death raid on bin Laden

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dear mr livingston.
as to your statement that london is a terrorist tar-
get after us, right you are.as to weather taking banladen out makes president obhama look like a mobsteris entirely which side of the pond you are living at.

- jack750, nobleboro,me. USA, 13/05/2011 22:48
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A bullet in the head is NEITHER Justice nor civilisation. To quote a great line for the final episode of season 3 of ENGRENAGES...
THE LAW WAS INVENTED TO TRANSCEND REVENGE !

- Howard, Manchester Mars, 08/05/2011 19:21
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Well said, Sarah Bradshaw.

Presumably Greg Hands MP also considers Martin Luther King's views as "extreme".

"Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes... "

- Jonathan Gregson, London, 05/05/2011 15:44
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"I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

- Sarah Bradshaw, London, 05/05/2011 15:25
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What about the 1000s of unarmed people he orchestrated the slaughter of. Who speaks for them!

Ken would give him a free flat in the west end.

- Phil McD, Manchester UK, 05/05/2011 10:51
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Am I missing something here, or what? By his own admission, this geezer Bin Lidon masterminded the murder of 3,000 people in New York alone. To put him on trial would by time consumming and costly, and would nodoubt end up with the death penalty anyway. This way, it's quicker, cleaner and saves a fortune in the cost of a trial.

- Dave, Merseyside, England, 05/05/2011 10:14
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Right, so we put him on trial - good one!

Any person on that jury would be targeted by his followers. Whether it's America, Afghanistan or a remote island off the Costa Rican coast - his followers would fine where he is and free him, removing anyone in the way

It seems Mr Livingstone wants him to have a fair trial. Probably since he's a first class numpty, he was happy for Bin Laden to be trialled here, found not guilty due to lack of evidence and then given the right to remain in the UK under a different name, in a secret location paid for by the tax payer. Oh and the labour party supporters would be delighted with that, such is their cluelessness these days

I suppose he is talking to his voters, the residents of Leyton and Tower Hamlets will no doubt be delighted to hear this

George Bush would no way allow Bin Laden to be alive. Anyone who uses Saddam as an example is completely out of touch. Saddam killed and tortured thousands of his own people, the Iraqi's wanted him tried! Bin Laden killed people across the world from Bali to New York to Madrid. His organisation have also taught hatred and have taught the Qu'ran the wrong way to easily misled muslims. Obama did the right thing, removing the parasite was justified

No doubt Ken is speaking to his mates in Iran as to how to respond. I look forward to a rally in Tower Hamlets over this, no doubt Ken, his pathetic voters and Unite For Terrorism will be there

- Steve, In a labour supporters brain (what brain?), 05/05/2011 10:11
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I can't fathom the costs and security issues associated with bringing OBL to trial. The threats of terrorist acts would actually have been increased, ie "Release him or [his supporters] will do this that or the other".

There's simply no reasonable argument against what the yanks did and I for am happy that any potential terrorist now knows that no matter what resources he or she has at their disposal, they will end up with a Western bullet in their skull.

- ST, London, 05/05/2011 08:32
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The forum of the foaming mouths is busy again. Let's be clear kids, Ken said it made Obama look like a mobster, not that he is a mobster. There is a difference even if it is lost on your peanuts. This point of view is a mainstream one echoed round the world. I don't agree with it but am bored with everything Ken says getting distorted by dummies.

- Dan, London, 05/05/2011 08:25
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Captured him and put him on trial.....Are you totally stupid Mr. Livingston? What a gong show that would have been, have you seen any of the reports of the beheading, murders or the bomb victims over the years of Innocents? Go away a retire forever, you are so out of touch!

- Mark L, Calgary Canada, 05/05/2011 04:36
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I agree with Ken - Obama has more in common with Tony Soprano than Benjiman Franklin. Organising a Mob like hit and dissapearing body - what has the world come to that we are applauding this!

The 7/7 bombings happened on Ken's watch so he is only right to be dissatisfied with way it was handled. Bin Laden should of stood trial and then been executed just as we did with Saddamn.

- uh huh, london, 05/05/2011 01:16
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Ken Livingstone is right and the Americans were wrong to summmarily execute BIn Laden.

America constantly urges respect for democracy and the rule of law. They are right to do and should therefore, also respect these principles.

It is sheer hypocrisy to for America to exempt itself from the principles it would have others observe.

America cannot preach one law for others and another for itself.

- Rupert, London, England, 05/05/2011 00:32
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Actually, Ken is right. Killing Bin Laden is not going to end the problem of Al Qaeda. What could happen now is a revenge attack against the USA is planned and it could spell disaster.
It was right to do something about Bin Laden, but maybe standing trial would be a better option as I'd imagine there are going to to be some rather bitter members of Al Qaeda for the USA to face now.

- Anon, London, 05/05/2011 00:17
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I agree with Ken!
If the Navy Seals were able to bring Osama's dead body out they could have brought him out alive and have him tried in court as was the case of Saddam. I believe that the US government deliberately sent in the Seals to kill Osama. This makes them nothing more than common murderers.

- John Pryce, Long Beach USA, 04/05/2011 23:46
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Sometimes Ken Livingstone can be infuriating, sometimes legally incompetent, sometimes showing a complete lack of reason or foresight but today he is being downright dangerous. It is time that he took more care in his egocentric ramblings and stopped exploiting his reputation as a voice for the marginalised apologists on the liberal suicidal periphery of intolerant ideologists. These are stupid and treacherous remarks and should not be put up with. Who is Ken to make such breathtakingly arrogant suggestions? As I have often said with freedom of speech comes a higher responsibility to self-discipline, restraint and moderation. Ken rather disappoints as a serious politician as he frequently demonstrates a deficiency in these essential virtues.

- Sir Stu Pidfool, Republic of E20, 04/05/2011 23:09
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The fact is Ken was Mayor on 7/7 and knows full well the effects terrorists can have on cities like London. Remember Ken IS A LONDONER and knows full well the damage bombs can do be they Hitlers, IRA or foreign international terrorists. What Ken is saying is this party apmosphere engendered by the death of Bon Laden is more likely to lead to some form of revenge attack.

Its worth remembering that unlike formal military powers or even armies like the IRA these terrorists work a bit like "Jason Bourne" and therefore given they have no fear of dying are more likely to carry out personal attacks. It is this that Ken is warning about.

Odd thing was the interview with Tony Blair which how much more Prime Ministerial he is compared to Cameron and at times he sounded like he still thought he was Prime Minister!!

- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 04/05/2011 21:21
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I think Ken makes a bloody good point - Obama has more in common with Tony Soprano than Benjiman Franklin after this.

America has lost its way if it thinks "gangland style slayings" are better than dealing with things properly. Bin Laden should of stood trial and be made accountable - rather than a shot to the back of the head mafia style and then have his body "dissapear".

True that the death penalty is applicable with somebody as dangerous and ruthless as Bin Laden - But the death Penalty should of been done in a "civilised" way not like this.

Saddam was captured, put on trial and then executed - the same rules should of applied for Bin Laden. I think this is the point Ken is making - remember the 7/7 bombings were under his watch as mayor - I think he has a right to be dissatisfied with the way that Obama did this. I know I am !

- uh huh, london, 04/05/2011 20:33
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This is a bizarre statement. Clearly Bin Laden was completely insane. Supposed you have to be sound to stand trial.
He also made a number of incriminating videos and audio tapes, meaning the evidence against him was vast.
President Obama made the right decision.

- paul, birzebuggia Malta, 04/05/2011 20:19
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About par for the course as far as Livingstone is concerned. Boringly normal for him.

- Rogan, Irving, 04/05/2011 20:18
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I don't agree with all American acts - I'm sure they don't agree with all we do. In this case, the USA have rid the world of one of the most dangerous people who ever lived. I feel safer at home in Scotland because of this. And I believe most people will BE safer because of this.

Ken Livingstone is utterly unbelievable. I'm glad he's come out with this crap as he'll guarantee he'll be on the political sidelines forever. He's finished. Over. And he'll drag down the Labour party as well! A double bonus!

- Cosmax, Fife, Scotland, 04/05/2011 20:12
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Yet again, just as it appears Ken Livingstone has learned not so show off, he, like Boris let's his desperation to feel important let him down again.

A warning perhaps that his newly apparent moderate views are nothing but a sham to enable him to get his hands on the levers of power again.

Many of the London electorate are relieved that at last, some proper justice has been handed out to the biggest coward of them all, who hid from the world whilst his idiot followers blew themselves up at his behest. Good riddance.

- Concerned Observer, Harrow, 04/05/2011 20:12
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Shut up Red Ken we all know where your sympathies lie! We must just be grateful you are no longer Mayor.

- Vince London, West London, 04/05/2011 19:28
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Bob from Stratford -
Thank you for what you stated.
just like many Americans, I have the blood of both the English and the Native Americans running through my veins.
I am certain that the British Special Forces are trained to eliminate any threats just as ours are.
And I fail to see why anyone would have wanted Bin Laden taken alive and tried in our faulty criminal justice system, even if a death sentence would have been a certainty. Does anyone really think that he would have divulged any useful information under questioning?

- USMale, Georgia, USA, 04/05/2011 18:34
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Ken has made a good point but clumsily delivered. Either we believe in the rule of law or we do not. We now know the OBL was unarmed & that the Seals met no armed resistance. OBL should have been trussed up & arrested. He should have been given a US trial & if guilty subject to the full force of the law. This would have shown the world that the US believes in the integrity of the law & that barbarism is best left to those who have zero respect for the law. It is a complete red herring to speak of the cost of a possible trial as reason for the summary execution of OBL. Speaking as someone who lost a great friend in the Lockerbie plane bombing you may have thought that I would have 'vengeance' on my mind. Absolutely not. The rule of law is there for a very good reason and when political leaders believe that they can bypass this we begin a slippery moral decline. Did Obama act like a mobster? Not sure, but he definitely acted like a politician with an election on the horizon.

- Robert Base, Brixton, London, 04/05/2011 18:15
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The whole reason that we're in the terrorist pooh is that for too long successive administrations have heeded human rights rubbish from socio-liberals, such as Liberty, Amnesty and left-leaning politicians.


Let's hope the snuffing out of this lunatic heralds more of the same to rid the world of his kind.
No explanations should be necessary . . . the results will justify the action.

. . . . and those that think Britain aren't up to it should think back to the Iranian Embassy

- Realist, London SW, 04/05/2011 18:15
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Maybe Mr Ken can walk on water as well?? If elected, another 'Rotten Borough' all alleged of course!!

- Mr Fourcandles, East Anglia Area Englandshire Legacy of Labour's Moronic Dumbing Down UK (Owned by the EUSSR), 04/05/2011 18:04
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I am not surprised at Ken's remarks. I listen to him on the radio and TV and he sounds more and more like a lunatic every day. His opinions are always bizarre and he's totally out of touch with the majority of British people.

- Jane, London, 04/05/2011 17:45
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Who will vote for Ken Livingstone now?

- Danny, London, 04/05/2011 17:45
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What a narrow minded load of comments. Winston Churchill was half american and had native american blood. There are many other examples of MPs with the blood of other nations coursing through their veins - in fct we all have.

As for Kens comments, he is entitled to make them and I hope he has made them sincerely and not just as an election stunt. However, I don't agree with him. The Yanks were right on this one and their team did well. If our own special forces had been involved, their orders would have been just the same. Shoot to kill on sight. It is a testament to their professionalism that so few of those around Bin Laden survived

- bob smith, Stratford, East london, 04/05/2011 17:44
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Asolutement, Mes Cher Amis. Monsieur Ken L is typical of the Left's 'apologists for terror'. A bit like those cringe worthy pictures of Gorgeous George hailing Saddam Hussein as a "Gentleman and Scholar".

Maybe Komrade Ken thinks that Komrade Stalin 'Was a Nice Man', and it was all those other 'Nasty Men' who were the oppressors of the Russian Peoples. do live in the Now, Monsieur Ken!!

- Mr Fourcandles, East Anglia Area Englandshire Legacy of Labour's Moronic Dumbing Down UK (Owned by the EUSSR), 04/05/2011 17:43
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Lucky he wasn't found by the British and Red Ken, as he would have been given political asylum, immunity, and free housing & benefits for him and his many wives.

- Sir Jolly Good, Biggin Hill, 04/05/2011 17:37
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Ken - you're a knob!! Please crawl back under your rock. Bin Laden worked to no rules, so why should we?

- Digger, Australia, 04/05/2011 17:33
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I love Ken and you know shy? because he always knows how to wind up the ES and its faithful.....and sure enough the ES bites every time!!!

Keep it up Ken you brighten my day


sorry obviously i should have said 'why?' - i was too busy chuckling at the reactionary posts from the ES faithful.....
keep it up Ken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Still amused by the ES and its 'readership', London UK, 04/05/2011 17:29
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Have a feeling he is after the ethnic vote. Will go down well in Tower Hamlets et al.

- gazza, London, 04/05/2011 14:13


You should be more specific when you say "ethnics".
Some of us don't like advocates of suicide bombing innocent people on trains,buses or planes anymore than you do.

- Paul, W.London, 04/05/2011 17:20
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A stupid remark like this brands Livingstone even more so as a rough idiot. Does he take no interest in World affairs ?

- Michael, Kensington, UK, 04/05/2011 17:13
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I love Ken and you know shy? because he always knows how to wind up the ES and its faithful.....and sure enough the ES bites every time!!!

Keep it up Ken you brighten my day

- someone who doesn't beleive everything the ES prints...., London, 04/05/2011 17:08
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Obama 2 Livingston 0 (1 own goal)

- Michael Spencer, Rome, Italy, 04/05/2011 17:04
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Is he the official Labour candidate this time. Perhaps Mr Milliband will explain his comments. Do you think he's after votes. Know he's popular with the irish.

- Confused, london ., 04/05/2011 17:03
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Ken, we know you seek ethnic votes but remember Bin Laden has killed more Muslims than Christians.

- Stephen C, LONDON, 04/05/2011 16:48
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Ken has been on a pro-islam everything stance for many years now, even dressing in traditional muslim religious gown and cap in the run up to the last mayoral election. People need to realise that Ken is not a geniunely motivated man, he is a career politician with an out of control ego. He long since firmly tilted his cap in favour of supporting the HUGE number of muslim immigrants in his home town, Willesden, borough Brent. He doesn't care about political issues except gaining the muslim vote and he will do or say anything in accordance. There are clearly questionable issues around the alleged murder of Bin Laden but all he wants to ensure is the influx of middle eastern & asian countries money and business to London. The USA aren't investing in London - they are having their own financial crisis - but big players are fleeing here en masse from war torn muslim countries. Ken isn't interested in the ethics of WHERE their money has come from he just wants to keep smoothing they way and gaining their vote.

- Crystal, London, 04/05/2011 16:42
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Livingstone likes murdering terrorists & wife beaters, quote" You are always welcome here" unquote to the murderers of the IRA @ the Muslem cleric as he shook their hands.

- peter, london, 04/05/2011 16:40
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Its Ken and his party that lets mass murderers out of prison after a few years , this bloke has got his cumuppence and good riddance.

- Davey_Buoy, Chertsey, 04/05/2011 16:36
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Ken Livingstone must never be elected as Mayor of London

- monkey for sale, London, 04/05/2011 16:34
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Well done America!!

Mission now truly accomplished!

I don't believe in the death penalty for any of the human species. But was Bin Laden a member?

- Eugene, Ourense, Spain, 04/05/2011 16:19
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Steven Anderson and Paul -
What exactly do you think should have been done when this maniac's whereabouts were known?
I did not see the SAS sending in a team to capture Bin Laden?
I also remember a sovreign nation being attacked within its own borders in 2001 resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.
I am also curious as to the "price" you hope is paid in America? Do you hope to see us attacked again? It is a real threat that the US faces as a result of the decision to take out Bin Laden.
I have no idea how you 2 came to your opinions of my country. Believe me, I and the everyday people that I know have far too much to do in our daily lives to "rejoice".
Most here are far more concerned about our own security and cost of living than about being the "world's policeman".
Of course, anytime one of our allies is attacked, that role seems to be quite welcome....

- USMale, Georgia USA, 04/05/2011 16:14
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Yet another reason not to vote for Ken Livingstone.
Some people , Like Livingstone,seem to believe that we should all tip toe around 'muslim sensitivities'. Not me.

- monkey for sale, London, 04/05/2011 16:10
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Dan Birmingham, yes the Nazi's were given a trial but it may interest you to know that it was the strong opinion of Winston Churchill that they be taken out and shot.

- Howard Ruark, NY, 04/05/2011 16:06
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Stephen in Ipswich -
You seem to have conveniently forgotten that a sovreign nation (the United States) was attacked within its own borders in 2001. Or do you consider the sovreignty of Pakistan above that of other countries?
What, in your opinion, should have been done when Bin Laden's whereabouts became known?
The "mobster" comments sound like the spouting of someone who learned all he knows about the US from watching deplorable movies and TV shows. Our military and law enforcement right down to the local level is trained to eliminate threats to themselves. one does not make any sudden moves around a city cop, let alone a Navy SEAL without running the risk of being "eliminated". Reports state that this maniac Bin Laden was trying to resist capture in some way. He obvioulsy was perceived as a threat (difficult to imagine, I'm sure) and was stopped.
And if he was captured alive and tried, the result would have been a death sentence anyway.....

- USMale, Georgia USA, 04/05/2011 15:51
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I can't believe some of these comments saying it was wrong to kill Bin Laden

It's certainly great a UK soldier didn't shoot the barsteward! Otherwise from some on here, there would have been a mini uproar

How can a man who's organisation thought it would be good to murder nearly 4000 civilians in one day as well as hundreds of others have any right? I hope there are no readers on here who lost loved ones during the wide range of attacks read some of these comments.

It certainly says a lot. If the UK bought Bin Laden back, he would have been able to use his human rights to be not tried here, found not guilty and then can remain in the UK on our lovely benefits under a new identity. At least all the labour supporters will be happy with that, sickening!

I really hope no one on here suffers from this evil lot. Something that would happen a lot if this inobxious idiot gets back into power, what with his open border policy to his best mates the Iranians! Hopefully Ed can do something decent for once and sack the imbecile!

- Steve, In la la land, 04/05/2011 15:40
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Livingstone has shown himself, yet again to be a reckless fool who will support anyone who is anti Western.
I know he depends on the Muslim vote, but there are plenty of muslims opposed to Bin Laden's ideology.

- The Convenient Truth, Reading, England, 04/05/2011 15:32
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Ken Livingstone who was such an ardent supporter of the Soviet Union, IRA and other filth should keep out of these debates, letting serious intelligent people with serious considerations deal with matters like these. The only time I recall Ken ever saying anything against a despot or dictator was when he laid into Pinochet (a right-wing dictator). That's the problem with left wing kooks like him .... they will criticise Hitler, Pinochet etc. whilst thinking nothing of wearing the hammer and sickle on their t-shirts.

Ken, Get lost and don't even try to ruin my city again! I've endured you in the 1980's and again in the 2000's and don't ever wish to pay your salary again!

- Mark Otto, London, 04/05/2011 15:23
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That's the problem with liberals. They never think thru a situation rationally. They like to take what they call the "moral high ground"--considering themselves so morally superior to the rest of us--at the expense of the "little people" who suffer from their stupid pronouncements/laws. England's liberal immigration policies (oh, there's that word again)allowed the muslims into England WITHOUT forcing them to assimilate. By letting the muslims have their sharia laws and burkas, the civilized public of England are now in fear of attacks from the same people that collect $ from the working class. On a side note, Obama is really becoming Bush...Liberals accused Bush of always going it alone, shooting from the hip. BTW, I enjoyed the wedding. Glad I don't have to foot the bill, but you guys put on quite a show!

- Ruthie3, Nashville, TN USA, 04/05/2011 15:14
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Ken - you are a tool

- Nick, London, 04/05/2011 14:59
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Whether you love hime or loathe him, he's right to draw attention to the circumstances of bin Laden's killing. US troops illegally entered a sovereign nation's territory and unlawfully killed a man (and a woman). Just because bin Laden was a higly undesirable and dangerous man, does not make it right, otherwise what meaning has the rule of law. Imagine how it would now be if Pakistani forces had entered US territory by stealth and killed one of those on the FBI's most wanted list. Doesn't sound quite so acceptable does it?

- Stephen G Anderson, Ipswich, UK, 04/05/2011 14:45
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And there we have it: The moment Livingstone lost the election.

- ST, London, 04/05/2011 14:42
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Well its great we are getting closer to the actual election.
Ken is shedding the cuddly bit and Reminding all of the voters what he really stands for.
Melvin can you hand on heart say that this man stands up for ordinary working people?
Of course not.
In the last few weeks we have been given a heads up that Lee Jasper will get his six figure salary back if Red Ken is re-elected .
So will Mrs Red Ken who is a world class administrator.
She could earn many times the six figure salary Red Ken will gift her but she will choose to do her bit for London's workers.
Vote for RED KEN AND ALL OF THIS IS YOURS.
Oh AND A VERY LARGE TAX RISE EVERY YEAR!

- The Pigeons, Muzeltov Hill, 04/05/2011 14:24
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Irrespective of Ken's remarks Obama will now benefit immensely from the death of bin Laden for his political side. Then again, Tony Blair bent over for the yanks wholesale sacrificing the UK for the sake of his CV, resulting in a job as 'Middle East Peace Envy" and we can all see how well he's doing there.

Ken is fundamentally correct here; bin Laden may well have been a legitimate target but watch the rejoicing from those who whine and whinge about terror on their home soil but previously collected for the IRA to promote it on ours.

Don't forget there's a bill to be paid for bin Laden's death; I hope it'll be paid on the other side of the Atlantic and by the very lot who are glorifying the death of this terrorist by jumping up and down and screaming and saying how very brave their troops are.

One has to note that bin Laden was unarmed and that his wife wasn't used as a human shield. How low can a nation that sets up as the worlds policeman sink?

- Paul, Londonistan UK, 04/05/2011 14:22
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Yes Ken, just like the Lybian that blew up the plane over Lockerbie; and then after a few years in prison he could be repatriated somewhere to die in dignity.

Pratt.

- BJ, East London, 04/05/2011 14:20
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I hope Kens wrong and terror attacks don't increase but somehow I think he might be right.

- bazza, London, 04/05/2011 14:19
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Bin Laden got what he deserved. Shot down like the murdering dog he was. Body dumped in the sea. Many victims of 9/11 could not have a Christian burial because their bodies could not even be found.

- Spotter, london, 04/05/2011 14:15
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Lily livered liberal, Londoners are not interested in what you have to say Ken and haven't been for many a moon. Pick BJ up on the way out of London and please both of you - don't look back, we need a Mayor who actual cares about London and not just the glory of the position!

- Tracey, London, 04/05/2011 14:15
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Which is exactly why you were democratically voted out Ken.
Outdated, outspoken and very stupid - are you seriously going to stand for mayor again and suffer the humiliation all over again?

- Galland, Abbeville, 04/05/2011 14:14
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Have a feeling he is after the ethnic vote. Will go down well in Tower Hamlets et al.

- gazza, London, 04/05/2011 14:13
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Ken Livingstone - next mayor of Abbottabad?

- SarahN, London, UK, 04/05/2011 14:09
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Lucky USA not working with its hands tied behind it back by the human rights brigade . They would still be debating this long after he did a runner .

Can we ditch EU and join USA please .

- remus, london, 04/05/2011 14:08
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Livingstone the backside who cuddled up to the IRA who incidentally were murdering Londoners at the time´.Why don´t just go away leave us alone and enjoy your millions.How about going to Iran were you´ve got your television job.It´s nice and sunny.

- davo, faraway, 04/05/2011 14:07
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I totally disagree with Ken. Yes it would have been good to capture that ‘animal’ alive.
But after few thoughts, I think the Obama administrations have done a fantastic job, bearing in mind that the guy has been under surveillance for months.
Here are the downsides of keeping that creep alive.
Firstly, there will be tremendous increase in the number of Westerners and American hostages abducted by “Osama’s sympathisers”; demanding his release for exchange.
And you know how barbaric these bunch of fanatics are.( Gruesome attacks on innocent people).
Secondly, in this recession time, while we are all cutting funds; by laying off teachers,nurses,it would have been senseless to keep a high profile criminal like Mr BIN and who pays for the idiot,? We the tax payers.

So Mr Livingston, though I admire you more than the current imbecile London Mayor, but I think you just shot yourself in the foot this time.
Do try and engage your brain and general public opinion before making comments.

- Daniel Gates, Rochester, 04/05/2011 14:04
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Ken's statement is understandable under different circumstances. The killing of Bin Laden smacks of vengeance rather than justice, however, considering the number of extra judicial killings, human rights abuses and terrorism activities perpetuated by this man, no treatment could have been better...

- Wale Usman, Lagos, Nigeria, 04/05/2011 14:00
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"Chelsea MP Greg Hands, who has US and British citizenship..."

Eh? Since when has a citizen of a foreign power been allowed to sit in the House of Commons?

- blimeyoreilly, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 04/05/2011 13:56
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There goes Ken Livingston's chance of re-election to position of London Mayor. He sounds so out of touch. Consider the millions it would have cost to lock up and guard Bin Laden, and the legal costs of a protracted court case to only end up with the same result - a death sentence. If Mr Livingston was willing to foot that bill himself, then he should have volunteered a long time ago. For Mr Livingston, Bin Laden would have got off with a technicality. I am shocked Ken, that you should be so daft.

In any case if it takes a mobster to protect me, so be it.

- Jimmy, London, 04/05/2011 13:56
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Boy am I not surprised

How can labour continue to use this loser as the candidate after that comment.

Vote this clown in and we may as well change our name from London to Tehran or Kabul.

Livingstone, you are a first class idiot. Please do London a favour and withdraw your running for mayor.

And people want him in! Makes me embarrassed to be a londoner

- Steve, In la la land, 04/05/2011 13:55
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So speaks the official Labour Party candidate for Mayor of London. Can we expect him to be stripped of this position by Red Ed? I will not hold my breath.

Livingstone is a disgrace to the party I support.

- albert, llangollen., 04/05/2011 13:42
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I always thought Ken was quite sensible, clearly he never thought this through. A propaganda exercise for terrorists at a trial, I think not. Where would he suggest a trial? The USA, then accuse them of not giving justice. Ken, stick to wht you know.

- Clive, Nantwich UK, 04/05/2011 13:42
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Surely Ken must have forgotten to take the medication this morning. Courting the Islamist vote in the East end of London Ken ?

- nick.holland, glasgow, 04/05/2011 13:37
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I liked Ken before he made those remarks!
Taking Bin Laden alive would have in many experts views increase the likelihood of many kidknappings of Western civilians in the Middle East where they would be used for blackmail. I suspect we would have seen many more gruesome executions of innocent people on the web.
Clearly Ken has already forgotton 9/11 and 7/7 as well as many other atrocities thise vile evil dog has caused.
Bin Laden is lucky the Americans gave him a religous funeral because i would have just tossed the carcass in the sea without even considering washing and wrapping it up in white sheets. Get a grip Ken for goodness sake!

- Steve, UK, 04/05/2011 13:26
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If Ken had his way Bin Laden would be on trial here, given legal aid sitting in his own lavish cell. Of course his extended family would be living in a nice house funded by the taxpayer as the court of human rights would mean they couldn't be touched.

- Paul, IoD, London, 04/05/2011 13:23
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Perhaps Ken Livingston should be put on trial for having the brain of a newt.

- Blowtorch, Surbiton, 04/05/2011 13:21
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Capturing Bin Laden would have been great, but would it have been worth risking the lives of the troops and anybody connected to the trial? This man has bragged in numerous videos about his victory on 9/11 so it's hard to doubt his guilt. People like Ken want security but are not willing to pay the price. Vote Ken and god help us all.

- Village, London, 04/05/2011 13:19
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Says the man who sat down with the IRA, hypocrite.

- Lance Johnson, Canterbury, Kent, 04/05/2011 13:19
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Dan, Birmingham said "After WW2, we tried all the Nazi war criminals. Have we become less civilised since 1945?"

Many more Nazis criminals, than ever appeared in the trials, were caputured by the Allies, taken into a wood or behind a building and summarily shot. The British were particular active in this field.

- Mark, Gerrymandered African Republic of Southwark, 04/05/2011 13:18
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That statement can only have come from Red Ken. This is the same Red Ken who received thousands of pounds from the Iranian dictatorship to present a show on its official propaganda channel, Press TV.

Press TV is a television channel based in Iran and owned by the Iranian state. Money from the Tube strikers! Money from the Iranians! And he’s still taking both!

A vote for Red Ken is a vote for the Iranian state who continue to back him.

- Frank, Copenhagen, Denmark, 04/05/2011 13:16
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Livingstone, go back to your TV show in Iran.

- Dan, London, 04/05/2011 13:15
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Oh Ken, how could you? Which side are you on? This comment has just cost you the mayor's job once and for all.

- jb, sussex, 04/05/2011 13:06
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Once again Ken Livingstone shows how he supports extremists more than the safety of the public.
He clearly has no tolerance for the public and how he should never be in a position of looking after Londoners again.

- Jock S. Trap, London, 04/05/2011 13:06
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What a complete idiot, no wonder he's no longer Mayor.All we need now is for Boris to come out with something as stupid . The answer is Ken, it doesn't matter to hell what you say about Obama ,at least he got things going more than you can say of our weak government, and the previous one .Ken Has got to understand basic facts we're the clowns of europe.We have no guts no man at the helm,we have a lot in Westminster that are becoming the joke of the world . Obama has done more in 48 hours than this sniveling lot has ever achieved .

- Hamilton Straker, Ealing London, 04/05/2011 13:04
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Ken clearly forgets that many UK nationals were killed on 9/11 - one of my closest friends included. Perhaps if Ken had witnessed the live murder of his family and friends he'd have a different viewpoint. Well done to the Navy Seals who finally gave the families of 9/11 victims a tiny slice of justice!

- Jh,, Kent, 04/05/2011 13:02
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Ken, you are off your nut mate, or are you just trying to grab the attention again? Please go and say that to the people who lost loved ones on 9/11 !!! you have just made yourself even more unelectable.

- Mark, London, 04/05/2011 12:56
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Chelsea MP Greg Hands...."What American business will want to invest in our city if it is run by a man who repeatedly attacks their leader?"

Oh yes money before morality!

- Colonel Blimp, Tunbridge Wells, 04/05/2011 12:48
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Ken,wave goodbye to ever being Mayor of London,rather apply in Pakistan

- dave, london, 04/05/2011 12:47
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If Ken had his way he would have had Bin Laden round for dinner and a chat and then sent him on his way

Its the reason Kens comments are not worth anything now and never will again

- Dal, Bromley, 04/05/2011 12:47
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I'm glad some public figure has finally come out and said this - I was beginning to think *all* our politicians supported this strange US form of summary justice. Modern Western society supposedly believes in the rule of law and the right to a fair trial - and this should be extended to everybody, not just those that the US government wishes it to extend to.

After WW2, we tried all the Nazi war criminals. Have we become less civilised since 1945?

- Dan, Birmingham, 04/05/2011 12:45
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Still the same old looney is our Ken.....

He really is of another plant.

- Jason, London, 04/05/2011 12:44
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Livingstone has really shown himself to be a very silly old man. Do just fade away you old communist!

- Mark, London, 04/05/2011 12:42
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Now Ken is just making himself look even more ridiculous than before. It was right to depose of bin Laden; he was a disgrace to decency. Ken has been a public servant too long and should get out into the real world. Another stab at City Hall and he'll be like Chicago's Mayor Daley. Thank goodness I don't have a vote in the London elections, otherwise I might let my conscience get the better of me.

- dhan raj, basildon, 04/05/2011 12:38
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