Hate preacher 'says MP was murdered for being pro-Israel'

“Many people do [believe] that [Israel] is a terrorist state, and who would possibly be a friend of Israel after you see the carnage that they carried out against Muslims in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and continue to do with the appropriation of properties,” Mr Choudary told the Mail on Sunday from his east London home.

He reportedly said he did not condone violence, adding: “Obviously that does not give someone justification for someone to kill someone. I believe there is a covenant of security in this country, where the lives and wealth of people with whom we Muslims live are protected in return for our lives and wealth.”

His comments drew criticism from anti-extremism expert Professor Anthony Glees, who reportedly said the remark was “an attempt to radicalise others.”

Sir David’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes, with Jewish groups expressing their “profound sorrow” at the killing.

A 25 year-old British man, named by authorities as Ali Harbi Ali, is being held in custody. A warrant of further detention is set to expire on 22 October.