The Government has suffered another blow in its long-running battle to deport hate preacher Abu Qatada from the UK.

But despite the latest setback it immediately vowed to continue the legal fight to send the terror suspect to Jordan.

Last month, Court of Appeal judges in London backed an earlier ruling that Qatada, also known as Omar Othman, could not be deported over fears that evidence obtained through torture would be used against him.

It was announced yesterday that the Court of Appeal has refused permission for the Home Secretary to challenge March's ruling at the highest Court in the land.

But the Government is to persist with its bid by applying directly to the Supreme Court for permission.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are disappointed with the Court of Appeal's decision but will now request permission to appeal directly from the Supreme Court.

"The Government remains committed to deporting this dangerous man and we continue to work with the Jordanians to address the outstanding legal issues preventing deportation."

The Supreme Court process involves consideration by three justices of a permission to appeal application. They decide whether or not the application raises a point of law of general public importance. At the Court of Appeal last month, Home Secretary Theresa May's lawyers had challenged a ruling made last November by immigration judges on the grounds that Qatada was a "truly dangerous" individual who had escaped deportation through "errors of law".

But appeal judges said the Special Immigration Appeals Commission was entitled to conclude disputed statements would be used against Qatada.