An Algerian terror suspect today lost his appeal against Home Office moves to deport him, clearing the way for the Government to repatriate at least 15 other suspects in a similar position.

The man, who can be identified only by the initial Y, was ruled to be a danger to national security by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac). They said that he was a "long-term supporter of terrorist groups with a Jihadist agenda".

Last year, Y was acquitted of involvement in the so-called "Ricin plot" to distribute the deadly toxin on car door handles in Holloway Road, North London.

Today's ruling indicated that the panel believed there had been improvements in the Algerian regime, which cleared the way for the return of suspects.

Mr Justice Ouseley, Siac chairman, said: "For reasons given in the judgment...the appeal in the case of Y is dismissed. I have received outline grounds for appeal. I will consider these and make a decision in due course."

He gave lawyers for Y until September 29 to submit full appeal papers.

Siac has previously reported that Y is subject to a death sentence passed in Algeria in his absence, plus two sentences of life imprisonment - all for terrorist-related offences. Under human rights law, suspects cannot be deported to countries where they may face torture or ill-treatment.

The Government has been seeking diplomatic assurances from the Algerian Government that anyone returned to the north African country will not be harmed.

In its judgment, Siac said: "We give some weight to the assurances received in December 2005 about how he would be treated were he returned to face a retrial...and to the verbal assurances which have been received."

It pointed out that there had been a number of "diplomatic, official and high political level" discussions between the two countries. It added: "It is not conceivable that these are given deceitfully or that the Algerian attitude will change when Y is returned."

Outlining the reasons for deporting Y, Siac said: "Y has been a long-term supporter of various Algerian terrorist groups with a Jihadist agenda.

"This conclusion that he is not a mere passive sympathiser, but is a more influential and active member and supporter, has an importance beyond the specific evidence which has been presented about what Y has done.

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