22/10/2007

Commons Grilling On Terror Laws

The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith is to be questioned about the government's plans for tighter anti-terror laws.

She is to appear before the cross-party House of Commons Home Affairs Committee and will be expected to explain how ministers plan to take forward the issue of the maximum detention limit before charge for terror suspects.

PM Gordon Brown has already indicated that he would like to extend the limit beyond the current 28 days.

But, Cabinet minister Geoff Hoon said on Sunday there would have to be a "proper debate" in the country and in the House of Commons before the 28-day period could be extended.

Mr Hoon said he wanted to see a "national discussion" on any fresh proposals to increase the time terror suspects could be held without charge.

Earlier this month, Britain's most senior police officer, Sir Ian Blair, said the detention limit should be extended amid a "mounting" number of plots in the UK.

(BMcC)

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