Mr Abu Hamza has been criticised by British Muslim leaders

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission ruled a full hearing of Abu Hamza al-Masri's appeal would take place on 10 January 2005.

The Egyptian-born cleric preaches outside the Finsbury Park mosque in north London, from which he is banned.

He is challenging Home Secretary David Blunkett's attempt to strip him of his citizenship and send him back to Yemen.

Mr Abu Hamza was absent from Monday's hearing.

Support for terrorists

Ian Burnett QC, counsel for Mr Blunkett, told the commission in London the Government has four major areas of concern regarding the cleric.

SIAC: A SECRET COURT Some evidence behind closed doors Appellant not told full case against them Security-vetted lawyers argue in secret Q and A: Britain's secret court

He said Mr Abu Hamza had provided support and advice for terrorist groups including al-Qaeda and encouraged and supported participation in Jihad.

From the Finsbury Park mosque he said he had provided a sense of extremism and a safe haven for Islamic extremists.

And he said the cleric had promoted anti-western sentiment and violence through his teachings.

Mr Abu Hamza, who is on a UN security council list as being associated with al-Qaeda, has been granted legal aid, Monday's hearing confirmed.

Legal aid bid

The former Soho bouncer, 44, has been resident in the UK since 1979, gaining British citizenship through marriage in 1981.

He has sparked outrage with his sermons castigating Britain and the invasion of Iraq as a "war against Islam".

British Muslim leaders have roundly criticised him.

If his appeal fails he could be sent to Yemen from where he came to Britain.

In February 2003 the Charity Commission banned him from preaching at the Finsbury Park mosque because he was accused of abusing his position for "personal and political, rather than charitable purposes".