Davis issues Brown 'fight' plea

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7453466.stm

Version 0 of 1.

David Davis has challenged Gordon Brown to "come and defend" his policies in a by-election he intends to fight on the issue of civil liberties.

Visiting the constituency from which he resigned in protest, he urged Mr Brown: "Let's have the fight".

The Lib Dems will not contest the poll as they also oppose a 42-day pre-charge detention limit for terror suspects.

Labour has not yet said if it will field a candidate but the PM has described the by-election as a "farce".

Mr Davis stepped down as an MP and shadow home secretary on Thursday - the day after the House of Commons voted by a narrow margin to extend the maximum time terrorism suspects can be held, before they are charged, from four to six weeks.

'No stunt'

His resignation, apparently against the wishes of party leader David Cameron, took politicians by surprise, but Mr Davis says it is not a "stunt" but a necessary stand against what he sees as an attack on "fundamental freedoms".

But so far the only person to say they are considering standing against him is former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie, who supports the 42-day limit and says he is "90%" likely to stand, if Labour do not field a candidate.

At the first test of what their policy is on the big central issue of national security, the Conservative Party are totally divided Gordon Brown <a class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/7452264.stm">Ex-Sun editor 'to take on' Davis </a>

Labour says it will wait until the writ is formally moved for the by-election before announcing whether it will stand a candidate - but Gordon Brown has already dismissed Mr Davis's challenge.

"Everyone now recognises this is a stunt that has become a farce," he said.

"At the first test of what their policy is on the big central issue of national security, the Conservative Party are totally divided."

Contempt claim

But in his Haltemprice and Howden constituency on Friday, Mr Davis - who is defending a 5,116 majority - said: "What the prime minister is trying to do is avoid the fight.

"When you are doing a stunt you don't put your career on the line."

He went on: "Let's have the contest, let's have the fight and Mr Brown, don't treat my constituents with contempt."

The government says they have the public's support for their controversial anti-terrorism legislation, but Mr Davis believes the by-election will be a better test of opinion.

He claims the Commons vote on Wednesday was won by "bribery and bullying" of Labour rebels and DUP MPs. The government denies offering inducements to secure support.

Mr Davis warned party members in Willerby, Hull they would have to "work your socks off" and added: "If Kelvin MacKenzie wants to come, fine. But let's keep it serious."

Victoria Aitken, deputy chairman of the constituency party, said she had been taken by surprise by the announcement but added "it is an issue of great importance to David, an issue which goes way above party politics".

It is not yet known when the by-election will take place, although dates at the beginning of July have been suggested.

The proposal to extend maximum detention limits passed through the Commons this week by a margin of nine votes, with 36 Labour MPs joining the Tories and Lib Dems to vote against it.

But the government faces a battle in the Lords to get on to the statute books.

Shadow attorney general Dominic Grieve has been appointed as the new shadow home secretary.