THE British Government faces a diplomatic dilemma. They had to allow the hijacked plane to land at Stansted yesterday to protect the 186 passengers and 13 crew.

But it seems unthinkable that the hijackers should be returned to Saddam Hussein - a man with whom we were once at war - to face almost certain death.

If, as seems likely, the hijackers are covicted of hijack in a British court, their sentences should reflect the fact that while Britain is a humane country, it should not be seen as a "soft touch" for terrorists.

And when they have served their sentences are ended, they should be despatched to any 'friendly' Gulf state which might accept them.

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