MPs accept terrorism bill wording

MPs have voted 315 to 277 to reinstate a ban on the "glorification" of terrorism, overturning a Lords amendment removing the offence from legislation in the Terrorism Bill.

Earlier today, Tony Blair went on the offensive over opposition to the Government's 'glorification' wording included in the terror clause in the anti-terrorism legislation.

Mr Blair said removal of the term would water down the measures in the Terrorism Bill and would raise questions over Britain's stance on terrorism.

The Government was keen to avoid a defeat on the Bill which had faced stiff opposition in the House of Lords.

During Prime Minister's question time today, William Hague, standing in for Tory leader David Cameron whose wife had a baby yesterday, accused the Prime Minister of "ineffective authoritarianism" and creating "press release" legislation that was designed to catch headlines rather than terrorists.

Sir Menzies Campbell the acting Liberal Democrat leader said that the legislation was "ambiguous and controversial" and moved to have phone tap evidence made admissible in court in anti-terror cases.

Mr Blair was adamant that measures to attack glorification were "vital if we're to defend this country successfully against the likes of Abu Hamza".

He said that removing the term 'glorification' would send a "massively counter-productive signal".

The Prime Minister said that he found it "incredible" that the Bill's opponents were prepared to dilute the law in such a way.

(SP)