Galloway inquiry extended

Mariam and grandmother Umm Hamza with Mr Galloway

The Charity Commission has extended its investigation into an appeal set up by the former Labour MP George Galloway.

The inquiry was launched earlier this year following a complaint that funds raised for the Mariam Hamza appeal were used to pay the Glasgow Kelvin MP's travel expenses.

The commission has requested a meeting with Mr Galloway.

Mr Galloway was expelled from the Labour Party last month following his criticism of US and US military action in Iraq.

Charitable purposes

He set up the appeal five years ago to bring the young Iraqi girl to Glasgow for treatment for leukaemia.

In June, the commission established an inquiry to look into whether funds were used for charitable purposes between March 1998 and April 1999.

The commission has confirmed that the inquiry is to be extended to the lifetime of the appeal.

A spokeswoman said the decision was based on a number of considerations.

Officials have requested a meeting with Mr Galloway.

Mr Galloway was suspended in October

Mr Galloway was a persistent critic of sanctions against Iraq when Saddam Hussein was in power, arguing that they only affected ordinary Iraqi people.

Mariam, who was treated at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Sick Children and received further treatment in the US, was the subject of controversy when she arrived in the UK.

Supporters of Mr Galloway said her condition highlighted the plight of Iraqis but critics accused Mr Galloway of playing into the hands of the former Iraqi dictator and alleged that the child was being used as a pawn.

Mr Galloway was thrown out of the Labour Party on 24 October after facing five charges relating to a television interview in which he fiercely condemned military action in Iraq.

He decided against resigning his seat and vowed to lead an anti-war coalition in next year's European elections before standing as an independent for a Glasgow seat at the next Westminster general election.