In an authoritative report, Quilliam, a counter-extremism think tank funded by the UK’s Home Office, claims “mismanagement” by the Prison Service is helping Al Qaeda gain recruits and risks “strengthening jihadist movements”.

For instance, Abu Qatada, described by MI5 as “Osama Bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe”, has published fatwas — religious rulings — on the internet from Long Lartin prison, in Worcestershire, calling for holy war and the murder of moderate Muslims, it reveals.

Extremist preacher Abu Qatada, once called Osama bin Laden’s ambassador to Europe, faces a hearing Tuesday after being re-arrested in West London.

Abu Qatada was taken into custody over the weekend, apparently for violating his strict bail conditions, according to British newspaper reports.

He is forbidden to use the Internet, computers, or mobile phones and is specifically prohibited from any contact with bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Abu Qatada’s bail conditions were under review last night after security experts said allowing the hate preacher to associate with a convicted terrorist made a ‘mockery’ of the rules.

Home Office officials are investigating the Daily Mail’s exclusive picture showing Qatada – dubbed ‘Osama Bin Laden’s ambassador in Europe’ – strolling through London with fellow fanatic Yasser Al-Sirri.