UK to hosttop-level meeting on terrorism

The move came after the Prime Minister announced an immediate review of security at UK airports, which may lead to the introduction of hi-tech full-body scanners that could detect explosives of the kind smuggled on to a US-bound plane from Amsterdam.

Suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, is believed to have developed radical Islamist views during visits to Yemen, and the country’s foreign minister this week appealed for international help to take on as many as 300 al-Qaida operatives believed to be using it as a base.

Mr Brown said the January 28 meeting would be a stand-alone event involving key international partners held alongside the conference on the future of Afghanistan being held in London on the same day.

Downing Street said his plans have already received strong support from the White House and European Union.

Abdulmutallab allegedly attempted to ignite explosives stored in his underwear as Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam, carrying 280 passengers, made its final descent towards Detroit.

In an article on the Downing Street website, Mr Brown said yesterday that it was “increasingly clear” the would-be bomber did not become an extremist while a student in London but said the UK had to remain vigilant for the radicalisation of young Muslims.

A former close friend of Abdulmutallab also said he believed he was radicalised after leaving the UK. Qasim Rafiq, who preceded Abdulmutallab as president of UCL’s Islamic Society, said: “When I heard the news I... thought could this really be the same person? The humble, the kind, the well-mannered, well-spoken individual that I knew and I was a close friend to?”