42 days would hinder, not help, the fight against terror
If the government had convincing evidence that that detaining people without charge for up to 42 days could help the war on terror, they would have been able to point to far more statements of support from police chiefs and experts.
One or two Chief constables do support the government on this. Others have kept a deafening silence. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, very bravely in the circumstances, has openly advised parliament that in his opinion the 28 days for which terrorist suspects can currently be help is long enough. And senior law officers in Blair's government have made clear that they will oppose the proposal for 42 day detention if it reaches the House of Lords.
Ironically, the "concessions" which the government has offered to try to get the measure through appear to have done more harm than good: medium rank police officers have privately indicated that the concessions make the legislation too complicated and unworkable.
Let's not forget that anti-terrorist measures which make it too easy to lock up innocent people, even with the best of intentions, often make the problem worse. That was certainly our experience with internment in Northern Ireland.
National security is too important to play political games. Any MP of any party who really believes that 42 day detention will make the British people safer should vote for it. But anyone who thinks this will make matters worse should vote against. In my opinion it will help restore the battered reputation of the House of Commons if this foolish proposal is voted down.
One or two Chief constables do support the government on this. Others have kept a deafening silence. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, very bravely in the circumstances, has openly advised parliament that in his opinion the 28 days for which terrorist suspects can currently be help is long enough. And senior law officers in Blair's government have made clear that they will oppose the proposal for 42 day detention if it reaches the House of Lords.
Ironically, the "concessions" which the government has offered to try to get the measure through appear to have done more harm than good: medium rank police officers have privately indicated that the concessions make the legislation too complicated and unworkable.
Let's not forget that anti-terrorist measures which make it too easy to lock up innocent people, even with the best of intentions, often make the problem worse. That was certainly our experience with internment in Northern Ireland.
National security is too important to play political games. Any MP of any party who really believes that 42 day detention will make the British people safer should vote for it. But anyone who thinks this will make matters worse should vote against. In my opinion it will help restore the battered reputation of the House of Commons if this foolish proposal is voted down.
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