The Defence Secretary has offered to pay legal costs and compensation after causing "distress" to Imam Suliman Gani when he alleged he supported Islamic State.

Throughout the campaign for the Mayor of London, David Cameron and defence secretary Michael Fallon linked the Tooting Islamic leader to the extremist group Daesh, a claim the imam vigourously denied.

April 22: Imam Suliman Gani denies terror links as pictures with Zac Goldsmith, Dan Watkins and Sadiq Khan emerge

In a statement released by Mr Fallon today, June 23, he apologised for the comment he made on Radio 4 on May 7.

The statement reads: "On May 7, 2016 I was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” programme.

"During that interview I described you as a supporter of Daesh/Islamic State – something that is entirely untrue.

"When I did this I knew that it had been said on a BBC Television programme some weeks earlier but I was unaware that the BBC had corrected that statement and had apologised to you. Had I known of that correction and apology I would not have repeated the statement.

"I was made aware of the BBC’s correction and apology a few hours after the broadcast and immediately issued a statement in an effort to put the record straight. I issued a further statement to the same effect on 11 May 2016, which included my apology to you for repeating the untrue statement.

"I accept that you are entirely opposed to Daesh/Islamic State, that you regard it as incompatible with your religious and moral beliefs, and that you have spoken out publicly against it.

"I repeat my apology for the error that I made and for the distress that it caused to you and your family.

"In recognition of that distress I have agreed to make a payment of compensation and to meet your reasonable legal costs."

The Prime Minister also issued an apology to Imam Gani after his comments, although because they were made in the House of Commons, they were protected by parliamentary privilege. 

Imam Gani welcomed the apology and said he had finally been vindicated.

He said: "It is not a good experience for anyone especially when you are a family man and a public figure.

"I have found it very difficult.

"To get the apology in itself is a great victory, and important to restore my reputation in the community."

Imam Gani said he hoped it would empower others to stand up to false allegations instead of hoping they could be brushed under the carpet and forgotten.

He said: "I think this has shown that sometimes we have to rise up to the challenge.

"The most important thing is not to have a knee jerk reaction but to be cool, calm and collected throughout.

"I have been campaigning for justice for others and never did I think I would have to have their support for myself."

Imam Gani praised the Save Shaker Aamer groups and the community for supporting him.

He said: "It came as a test, and I took great support from the Qu'ran and the faith which says I should persevere.

"I feel grateful that this has not dragged on."