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15/11/2007
Terror Limit Extension Plan Faces Criticism
The government is facing heavy criticism over plans to extend the limit that terror suspects can be held without charge to 58 days.
The government is planning proposals which would allow the current 28-day limit to be extended by a further 30 days in extreme cases, by using emergency powers legislation temporarily.
The proposal is based on an idea by civil liberties campaign group Liberty, which has suggested that temporary emergency powers, used in situations such as when the UK is facing multiple terror plots, is preferable to the creation of a permanent state of emergency.
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said that proposals amounted to placing the country in a "permanent undeclared state of emergency" and said that the government already had sufficient powers under the Civil Contingencies Act.
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, said: "So much for a cross-party approach to terrorism. This looks suspiciously like a desperate attempt by the government to cover its tracks after yesterday lamentable display of mixed messages.
"How does Gordon Brown seriously think he can forge a national consensus on such a vital issue without any new evidence and with utter disregard for the strong opinions of those who believe it would be a step too far?"
On Wednesday, the government's new security minister Lord West faced criticism after he initially told the BBC that he was not convinced about extending the limit that terror suspects can be detained without trial, but later changed his position, claiming that he had not chosen his words very well.
On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that a new round of cross-party talks would be held in order for ministers to seek consensus for extending the limit on detaining terror suspects.
(KMcA)
The government is planning proposals which would allow the current 28-day limit to be extended by a further 30 days in extreme cases, by using emergency powers legislation temporarily.
The proposal is based on an idea by civil liberties campaign group Liberty, which has suggested that temporary emergency powers, used in situations such as when the UK is facing multiple terror plots, is preferable to the creation of a permanent state of emergency.
However, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said that proposals amounted to placing the country in a "permanent undeclared state of emergency" and said that the government already had sufficient powers under the Civil Contingencies Act.
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, said: "So much for a cross-party approach to terrorism. This looks suspiciously like a desperate attempt by the government to cover its tracks after yesterday lamentable display of mixed messages.
"How does Gordon Brown seriously think he can forge a national consensus on such a vital issue without any new evidence and with utter disregard for the strong opinions of those who believe it would be a step too far?"
On Wednesday, the government's new security minister Lord West faced criticism after he initially told the BBC that he was not convinced about extending the limit that terror suspects can be detained without trial, but later changed his position, claiming that he had not chosen his words very well.
On Thursday afternoon, it was reported that a new round of cross-party talks would be held in order for ministers to seek consensus for extending the limit on detaining terror suspects.
(KMcA)
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Home Office Minister Damian Green has announced changes to powers allowing terror suspects to be held for 28 days without charge. Powers will be allowed to lapse next Tuesday, and will return to a 14-day limit. The move follows a review by the government. Full findings will be announced next Wednesday.
Terror Detention Change Announced
Home Office Minister Damian Green has announced changes to powers allowing terror suspects to be held for 28 days without charge. Powers will be allowed to lapse next Tuesday, and will return to a 14-day limit. The move follows a review by the government. Full findings will be announced next Wednesday.
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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.
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.
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Call for drink drive limit to be lowered in Scotland
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are calling for the Scottish Executive to consider lowering the current drink drive limit in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads. The ACPOS is expected to present a paper to First Minister Alex Salmond within the next few weeks.
Call for drink drive limit to be lowered in Scotland
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland are calling for the Scottish Executive to consider lowering the current drink drive limit in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Scotland's roads. The ACPOS is expected to present a paper to First Minister Alex Salmond within the next few weeks.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
