BBC breach Queen\'s confidence

Abu Hamza was the former imam of the Finsbury Park mosque London - Agencies The BBC has issued an apology after Frank Gardner, their security correspondent, revealed details of a private conversation he had with Queen Elizabeth regarding Abu Hamza.  In the conversation, which took place a number of years ago, the Queen is said to have been “pretty upset” that Abu Hamza hadn’t been arrested yet before adding that she “couldn’t understand why.” It was also revealed that she had mentioned her concerns to the then Home Secretary.  The apology comes in the aftermath of Abu Hamza, the former imam of the Finsbury Park mosque in north London, finally losing his battle against extradition to the US. He was jailed in Britain for seven years in 2006 for inciting followers to murder non-believers, but has been wanted in the US on suspicion of facilitating kidnappings of Westerners in Yemen and running a terrorist training camp in Oregon. He had appealed against the extradition on the grounds that he would face inhumane treatment in the US. Gardner was discussing the latest developments on Radio 4’s Today programme when he mentioned the conversation, which has resulted in the Queen becoming involved in a rare political row.   In the statement, the BBC said: "This morning on the Today programme our correspondent Frank Gardner revealed details of a private conversation which took place some years ago with the Queen. "The conversation should have remained private and the BBC and Frank deeply regret this breach of confidence. It was wholly inappropriate. Frank is extremely sorry for the embarrassment caused and has apologised to the Palace."