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Terror detention laws scrutinised Terror detention laws scrutinised
(9 minutes later)
The length of time that terror suspects can be detained without charge is to be debated by MPs as they continue their discussion of the Queen's Speech. The length of time terror suspects can be detained without charge is to be debated by MPs as they continue their discussion of the Queen's Speech.
Ministers have indicated they favour doubling the current limit to 56 days.Ministers have indicated they favour doubling the current limit to 56 days.
But the plans are likely to face opposition from Tories and Lib Dems, who say the move cannot be justified by the evidence, and some Labour MPs.But the plans are likely to face opposition from Tories and Lib Dems, who say the move cannot be justified by the evidence, and some Labour MPs.
Among pledges in the Queen's Speech was "further action to create stronger communities and tackle terrorism". They are more likely to welcome the proposals to allow terror suspects to be questioned after being charged.
Constitutional reform and the funding of political parties are also expected to be on the agenda on Wednesday, but anti-terror laws are set to dominate.Constitutional reform and the funding of political parties are also expected to be on the agenda on Wednesday, but anti-terror laws are set to dominate.
The Conservatives say a proposal to allow terrorism suspects to be questioned after they have been charged - included in the Counter-Terrorism Bill - came from them.The Conservatives say a proposal to allow terrorism suspects to be questioned after they have been charged - included in the Counter-Terrorism Bill - came from them.
QUEEN'S SPEECH DEBATES Wed: Home Office and justiceThurs: Local government and communitiesMon 12: Foreign affairs and defenceTues 13: Health and EducationWeds 14: Economy and pensionsQUEEN'S SPEECH DEBATES Wed: Home Office and justiceThurs: Local government and communitiesMon 12: Foreign affairs and defenceTues 13: Health and EducationWeds 14: Economy and pensions
But they said they wanted the bill to go further and allow the use of intercept evidence (such as from phone taps) in court - something also backed by the Lib Dems - and a "proper" border police force.But they said they wanted the bill to go further and allow the use of intercept evidence (such as from phone taps) in court - something also backed by the Lib Dems - and a "proper" border police force.
However, it is the time that terrorism suspects can be held for before they have to be charged or released that is proving most controversial.However, it is the time that terrorism suspects can be held for before they have to be charged or released that is proving most controversial.
In 2005, government efforts to extend the limit to 90 days led to Tony Blair's first Commons defeat as prime minister, although it was later agreed to extend the detention period from 14 to 28 days.In 2005, government efforts to extend the limit to 90 days led to Tony Blair's first Commons defeat as prime minister, although it was later agreed to extend the detention period from 14 to 28 days.
Compromise soughtCompromise sought
The government and police say the increasing complexity of terror plots means the time has come to look again at extending the limit.The government and police say the increasing complexity of terror plots means the time has come to look again at extending the limit.
Lord Carlile, the government's anti-terrorism legislation reviewer, has said it is likely more than 28 days would be needed in the future in a small number of cases.Lord Carlile, the government's anti-terrorism legislation reviewer, has said it is likely more than 28 days would be needed in the future in a small number of cases.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he wants a political consensus on the issue, but both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have said they will not support an extension unless there is clear evidence one is necessary.Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he wants a political consensus on the issue, but both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have said they will not support an extension unless there is clear evidence one is necessary.
Former chair of the joint intelligence committee Lady Pauline Neville-Jones, who speaks for the Conservatives on national security, said: "It's not a question of being soft on terrorism. It's a question of real proportionality.Former chair of the joint intelligence committee Lady Pauline Neville-Jones, who speaks for the Conservatives on national security, said: "It's not a question of being soft on terrorism. It's a question of real proportionality.
"We're the only democracy in the whole world that has gone as far as a month."We're the only democracy in the whole world that has gone as far as a month.
"Do we really want to go for a generation, or two generations possibly, because everybody understands this is going to be a very long haul against terrorism, extending the periods of detention relating to the whole of the population? I would hope not.""Do we really want to go for a generation, or two generations possibly, because everybody understands this is going to be a very long haul against terrorism, extending the periods of detention relating to the whole of the population? I would hope not."
After charge a suspect has very little to gain by commenting Ali Naseem Bajwa, barristerAfter charge a suspect has very little to gain by commenting Ali Naseem Bajwa, barrister
In a bid for compromise, ministers have promised extra judicial and parliamentary oversight of any extension and have also signalled support for the idea of post-charge questioning.In a bid for compromise, ministers have promised extra judicial and parliamentary oversight of any extension and have also signalled support for the idea of post-charge questioning.
But barrister Ali Naseem Bajwa, who specialises in terror charges, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he did not believe the move would be effective.But barrister Ali Naseem Bajwa, who specialises in terror charges, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he did not believe the move would be effective.
"After charge, a suspect has very little to gain by commenting," he said."After charge, a suspect has very little to gain by commenting," he said.
"He has already been labelled a terrorist. He might as well save it for the jury.""He has already been labelled a terrorist. He might as well save it for the jury."
Under the government proposal, juries could be told to view negatively any refusal by a suspect to co-operate after charge.Under the government proposal, juries could be told to view negatively any refusal by a suspect to co-operate after charge.
Other proposalsOther proposals
Among policies outlined in Tuesday's Queen's Speech - Mr Brown's first as prime minister - were moves to allow it to be made compulsory for all 16 to 18 year olds in England to be in education or training, from 2015.Among policies outlined in Tuesday's Queen's Speech - Mr Brown's first as prime minister - were moves to allow it to be made compulsory for all 16 to 18 year olds in England to be in education or training, from 2015.
The government also signalled moves to extend the right to request flexible working, currently available to parents of children aged under six, to parents of older children.The government also signalled moves to extend the right to request flexible working, currently available to parents of children aged under six, to parents of older children.
Plans for a new offence of inciting hatred against gay, lesbian and transgender people will also be extended to cover disabled people.Plans for a new offence of inciting hatred against gay, lesbian and transgender people will also be extended to cover disabled people.
Other proposals include a Climate Change Bill aimed at reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions up to 2050 and beyond, and a Housing and Regeneration Bill which creates a new homes agency to ensure 3m extra homes are built in England by 2020.Other proposals include a Climate Change Bill aimed at reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions up to 2050 and beyond, and a Housing and Regeneration Bill which creates a new homes agency to ensure 3m extra homes are built in England by 2020.