London: Pakistan-origin British politician Baroness Warsi is a facing fresh probe over her links with extremists, after it was revealed that her undeclared business partner, Abid Hussain, was involved with a radical Islamist party.
Prime Minister David Cameron ordered the inquiry after Hussain admitted that he had been involved with the Hizb ut-Tahrir, a radical Islamist party that the Conservatives have pledged to ban.
The investigation is being carried out by Sir Alex Allan, Cameron's Adviser on Ministerial Code. Allan will look into disclosures that shows Warsi had majority shareholder status in Rupert's Recipes, a spice company whose other shareholder was Hussain.
Hussain has publicly stated that he had attended Hizb ut-Tahrir meetings, although he said he had never been a "member", and had not told Warsi about his involvement.
According to The Telegraph, Warsi has previously said she was unaware of Hussian's activities. Warsi was also questioned about one of her trips to Pakistan, which was accompanied by Hussain.
"These further revelations about the conduct of Baroness Warsi are extremely worrying," Michael Vincent Dugher, the Labour Party politician, said. "What the Baroness was doing with someone who has admitted his involvement with the extremist Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir also calls into question her judgment," Dugher added.
The nature of Hussain's involvement in the radical party has already prompted questions over the extent of security vetting. Hussain's brother is still a high-profile figure in Hizb ut-Tahrir, and is referred to as "Professor" Muhammad Nawaz Khan in videos and photographs on its website.
"What the Baroness was doing with someone who has admitted his involvement with the extremist Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir also calls into question her judgment," Dugher added.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has been accused of promoting racism and anti-Semitism, praising suicide bombers and urging Muslims to kill Jews.
ANI
First Published: Sunday, June 10, 2012, 12:29