Terror detention plans unveiled

The government has unveiled plans to let police hold terror suspects for up to 42 days without them being charged.

The Counter Terrorism Bill also proposes "full use of DNA" in investigations and greater use of post-charge questioning.

Some senior police officers support extending terror detentions beyond the current 28 days, but it is opposed by Lib Dems, Tories and rebel Labour MPs.

The bill says such powers should be used only "if exceptional circumstances require it".

A survey by the Independent newspaper last month suggested 38 Labour MPs were against the 42-day detention plan - more than the 34 needed to defeat it.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, mindful of a potential rebellion, has been meeting backbenchers to press her case.
In a statement she said:

"We all need to work together to tackle the terrorist challenge and we have
consulted widely on the proposed measures. We have listened to the concerns of
community groups and others and the proposals brought forward today aim to
strike the right balance between the need to protect human rights and ensuring
police have the powers they need, when they need them, to tackle terrorism."

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This is importatnt because it shows that the U.K. is willing to do more to fight terrorism within thir country. It also shows that Parliament is divided on the issue and that ths bill may take time to be enacted.

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