Home Secretary proposes terror detention limit detention limit extensions

2.30.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 6th Dec 2007

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has announced plans to extend the period that terrorism suspects can be held without charge for up to 42 days. The proposal is planned to give MPs a role in any decision to let police hold suspects for more than the current 28-day limit.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Nick Clegg "It is pig-headed stubbornness for the Government to push on with extending pre-charge detention just as the consensus against it is deepening. The former Attorney General, both opposition parties, campaign groups and prominent members of the Home Affairs Select Committee have all made it clear that there is no compelling evidence for extending pre-charge detention beyond 28 days. The Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Government to make a statement at the earliest opportunity to the House of Commons to seek clarification on this messy and chaotic thinking over an issue of such vital importance."