STRICTER safeguards on the holding of terrorist suspects for up to 42 days without charge were published by the government yesterday.
The move is designed to limit the use of the proposed new terror law in a bid to head off a government defeat next week.
Under amendments that were tabled by Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, suspects could only be held without charge beyond t
he existing 28-day limit if there is a "grave exceptional terrorist threat" that would merit a life sentence.
This includes the most serious offences, such as murder and conspiracy to cause explosions, but excludes lesser offences such as weapons training or terrorist financing.
The threat includes situations which "cause or threaten" serious loss of life, serious damage to human welfare in the UK or serious damage to national security.
The threat can exist inside or outside the UK.
The process would be instigated when the Home Secretary receives a report from prosecuting authorities and police requesting an extension beyond 28 days to gather evidence. Independent legal advice would then be taken before the order is granted.
Parliamentary approval would be required within seven days – down from the 30 days first mooted – and the 42-day powers could only remain in place for 30 days, rather than 60 days as first proposed.
MPs are due to vote on the proposals, contained within the Counter Terrorism Bill, next week.
Prior to the concessions, around 50 Labour MPs were thought to be ready to rebel.
Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesman, described Ms Smith's amendments as a "con" as they did not have to be proportionate to the scale of the problem.
The Lib Dems believe the proposals will eventually be defeated in the Lords.
Meanwhile, Pete Wishart, an SNP MP, said the government had "not provided a shred of evidence that an extension of the pre-charge detention period is required".
The full article contains 326 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
