New security blow after minister's laptop stolen

GORDON Brown's attempt to set the agenda on domestic security was dealt a blow yesterday when one of his Cabinet ministers had a laptop containing sensitive files on extremism stolen from her office.

The Prime Minister used a speech yesterday to claim the government's policies of creating a DNA database, introducing ID cards and using CCTV cameras were protecting civil liberties rather than eroding them.

However, his bid to champion the security agenda was undermined when it emerged that Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary who has been spearheading a "hearts and minds" campaign to fight extremism, had her laptop stolen from her constituency office in Salford.

The computer contained restricted government files on extremism and defence, although aides stressed none of the files was "top secret".

In an apparent bid to deflect criticism from the minister last night, her department blamed officials for "not fully" complying with guidance on handling sensitive data.

The department's top civil servant, Peter Housden, said in a statement: "It is clear that papers have been sent to Hazel Blears in a way that is not fully consistent with the departmental guidance."

Mr Housden insisted "no damage had been done" because the documents were not "classified as secret or top secret".

The loss is the third such security breach in government in a week, and could constitute a breach of the Official Secrets Act.

Last week, a senior Cabinet Office official was suspended for leaving top-secret documents on a train, while another set of files was also left on a train.

The latest lapse sparked another row over security, with the Conservatives insisting that the government had not regained control of the security agenda.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow home secretary, said: "The news that a government minister may have been directly responsible for the loss of data relating to extremism is extremely alarming.

"It comes after a series of security breaches over which government appears not to have regained control.

"The government must urgently clarify what happened in this case. If Hazel Blears has breached security rules in relation to material she has handled, parliament must be told exactly how and why this has occurred."

Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesman, said: "This is the third breach of secrecy in a week.

"The government has to get a grip on the slap-dash culture of sloppiness that threatens national security."

Mr Brown warned his ministers yesterday to tell civil servants to remind staff of the importance of enforcing procedures regarding sensitive information.

Ms Blears' laptop was stolen on Saturday, when thieves smashed the window of her office, in the Working Class Movement Library in Salford. They took only the computer.

'Bin Laden right-hand man' freed from jail

A FIREBRAND preacher once described as "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe" was released from prison last night.

Abu Qatada left Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire after he won his fight against deportation from Britain.

The 47-year-old was driven out of the prison at speed in a Peugeot people-carrier, hidden from view under a blanket on the back seat.

His release follows a court ruling in April, banning ministers from extraditing him to Jordan.

He has been convicted in his absence in the Middle East of involvement with terror attacks in 1998, and of plotting to plant bombs on the millennium.

Ministers have pledged to appeal against the ruling. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "

The government's priority is to protect public safety and national security and we will take all steps necessary to do so."

Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said: "This man should be deported if possible. His presence is offensive. Failing deportation, he should be prosecuted."

Qatada will be subject to a 22-hour curfew and forced to wear an electronic tag, according to papers released by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac).

The eight-page bail order specifies that Qatada will be barred from associating with certain people, including Osama bin Laden and preacher Abu Hamza.

The list of Qatada's banned associates includes bin Laden's deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri and Rachid Ramda, who has been convicted in France of masterminding a series of bombings in 1995.

Unusually, the document bans Qatada from attending "any mosque". Similar restrictions on other Muslim terror suspects normally make provision for them to attend faith meetings, such as Friday prayers.

Qatada is also prevented from leading prayers, giving lectures or "providing religious instruction" to anyone except his wife and children.

The Siac bail order features restrictions similar to those imposed in a control order by the Home Office.

Qatada's 22-hours-a-day curfew is believed to be the toughest yet.