al Fayeds' request for British citizenship to be reconsidered

The British Labour government has said it will re-consider requests for citizenship from the Egyptian-born businessmen, Mohammed al Fayed -- who owns the prestigious store Harrods -- and his brother, Ali.

They have lived in Britain for thirty years.

The previous Conservative government had for many years refused them citizenship.

The BBC Political Correspondent says Mohammed al Fayed, whose son died in a Paris car crash alongside Princess Diana, has long had a controversial relationship with the British establishment; his allegations of political corruption against the Conservative administration caused it considerable damage.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service