Commons Sense

House of Commons · Urgent Question

Omar al-Bayoumi Arrest and Extradition 2025-09-08

08 September 2025 · 7 other contributors

Opened by David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

ImmigrationJustice & Courts

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Davis raised concerns about omar al-bayoumi arrest and extradition 2025-09-08 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about Omar al-Bayoumi's arrest and extradition in 2001
  • Minister stated it is inappropriate to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings
  • Minister emphasized UK's commitment to rule of law and human rights compliance

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

Will the Minister confirm that the UK government failed to extradite Omar al-Bayoumi after his arrest in 2001 despite alleged involvement in the September 11 attacks, and what steps will be taken to investigate this failure?

Other contributors (7)
  • David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

    Question

    Yesterday’s edition of The Sunday Times revealed that in the aftermath of 9/11, Omar al-Bayoumi was released because the FBI withheld evidence. He was arrested in Birmingham 10 days after 9/11 but not extradited due to lack of disclosure by the FBI. A full investigation is needed into why the FBI avoided extraditing Mr al-Bayoumi and what was the involvement of the Saudi Government.

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Gentleman's points were noted, and while there are limitations on commenting due to ongoing legal proceedings in the US, the government will look closely at the matters raised.

  • Chris Philp Con Croydon South

    Question

    The article raises serious questions about Omar al-Bayoumi's case. Why did UK police release him quickly? Did Saudi or US Governments pressure the UK to release him early and not pursue it further? Does he agree with Judge Daniels that al-Bayoumi assisted terrorists and was sent by the Saudi Government?

    Minister reply

    I am grateful for the questions but must emphasise that we are limited in what can be said due to ongoing US legal proceedings. The government will carefully consider the points raised.

  • Ben Maguire Lib Dem North Cornwall

    Question

    Why were British investigators not given access to all FBI evidence? Who in UK Government was briefed about al-Bayoumi's arrest? What safeguards are now in place to ensure crucial foreign intelligence is shared with British counter-terrorism investigations?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Gentleman raises important points but we cannot respond in detail today due to the ongoing US legal proceedings. We will look closely at these matters.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Does the Minister accept that there has been deep suspicion regarding Saudi Arabia's role in the 9/11 atrocity, and to what extent do the Government believe the nature and attitude of the Saudi Government have changed over the past 24 years?

    Minister reply

    I want to look forward rather than back. The UK hugely values its relationship with Saudi Arabia as an important regional partner. I visited it recently and we wish to work closely and constructively with them.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that we owe it to the 67 Britons who died on 9/11, their memory and families to get to the bottom of recent reports? Will he assure the House about the operational independence of the police at the time?

    Minister reply

    I share his concern. I reiterate my commitment to these matters and give assurance that we take them seriously.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Does the Minister agree on our obligation to expose international terrorism, support allies against 9/11 bombings, and ensure anyone on British soil understands that we will never be a shield for terrorists? How will he ensure this man is questioned if guilty?

    Minister reply

    I reiterate the importance of keeping the public safe and working with our international allies to defeat terrorism. This Government will do everything necessary to stand against terrorists and support those affected.

Government Response

Dan Jarvis

The Minister of State for the Home Department stated that it would be inappropriate to comment on an individual case due to ongoing legal proceedings. He acknowledged the gravity of the 9/11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people and caused significant damage. The Minister emphasised that the government neither confirms nor denies arrests in extradition cases to protect confidentiality and maintain international trust. He highlighted the UK's support for rule of law and human rights compliance, noting that all individuals requested for extradition are considered individually by independent courts.

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