AN Egyptian al-Qaeda suspect and his family have won permission to live in Britain — and claim hundreds in benefits a month.


Ministers gave Hany Youssef “discretionary leave to remain”, even though the Home Office admits he is on a UN list of people “belonging to or linked” to the terror group.


The decision means he can stay in Britain with his wife and five kids up to 2011. He is also free to claim housing benefit, child tax credits and Jobseekers’ Allowance.


They have already been living in a house in Hammersmith, West London, at taxpayers’ expense.

Crazy


Youssef came here in 1994 and applied for asylum.

He was held briefly in 1999 under anti-terror laws and Tony Blair said it was “crazy” he could not be deported.


Youssef received damages in 2004 after the High Court ruled he was unlawfully detained.

The Home Office twice apologised for delays dealing with his application.


Hammersmith and Fulham MP Greg Hands discussed the case with then immigration minister Liam Byrne last year.

Mr Hands said: “He left me in no doubt he wanted to deport Youssef. I’m shocked they have secretly let him remain.”


The Home Office said: “Our aim is to deport people as quickly as possible but the law requires us to obtain assurances the person being returned will not face certain death.”

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