UK anti-terrorism bill faces heated debate

Charles Clarke

LONDON - The government faced a bumpy ride in parliament yesterday as MPs debated anti-terrorism laws which would allow suspects to be held without charge for up to three months.

Conservative and Liberal Democrats MPs are expected to voice their objections to extending the time limit from 14 days and hope some Labour members will join them.

"Some Labour backbenchers are suggesting the idea of 28 days, managed by a higher-level judge and maybe with a sunset clause so we look at the legislation again in a year's time," said Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten.

"It could very well be that enough MPs rally round that to almost defeat the government," he told BBC radio.

The anti-terrorism proposals, which critics say are a rushed response to the London suicide bombing July which killed 52, have triggered opposition from some senior judges and civil rights groups.

Many opponents have said they agree there is a need for an extension, but believe 90 days is too long.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said critics should take note of what the police want.

"The 90 day case is made by the police and it should be respected," he told BBC radio. "I don't think 28 days is long enough."

Ahead of Wednesday's debate, the chief of London's Metropolitan Police said his officers had thwarted terrorist attacks in recent weeks and that the risk of further atrocities remained real.

Ian Blair said the force needed greater powers to cope with "a new reality" in the wake of the attacks on the capital.

"The sky is dark," the commissioner wrote in the Sun newspaper. "Intelligence exists to suggest that other groups will attempt to attack Britain in the coming months."

He gave no details of the past or future threats and a London police spokesman declined to comment.

Ian Blair said he needed new powers to detain suspects without trial for longer than allowed under existing legislation.

The global reach of terrorism investigations, use of encrypted computers and the dangers of searching houses which may contain explosives mean inquiries are taking longer, he said.

"It is the united view of police chiefs that an extension of detention to 90 days is necessary if we are to defeat those planning further terrorist carnage," he wrote.

"It is not a power we wish to use frequently. We have no interest in making Britain a police state."

- REUTERS