Liberal Democrats oppose Terrorism Bill

4.56.48pm GMT Wed 26th Oct 2005

The Government's Terrorism Bill faces its second reading in the House of Commons today. The Liberal Democrats are set to vote against the Bill; however the Conservatives have said they will back it.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Question in place of Charles Kennedy, Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House David Heath challenged the Government over the 'Number 10's Delivery Unit's' criticism of the Government's approach to tackling terrorism, which called the strategy immature, disjointed, and weak. He said, "you can't fight terrorism by simply introducing ever more draconian legislation? Isn't it time we gave our police and security forces the extra resources and manpower they need".

The Liberal Democrats Amendment reads: That this House declines to give a Second Reading to the Terrorism Bill because, whereas it is essential to the protection of the public that the police and security services are given the support necessary to do their job effectively, and notwithstanding the proposals in the Bill which command general support, the Government has failed to justify the proposal to hold suspects for three months without charge; believes that such a measure represents a substantial and unacceptable erosion of the principles underlying British justice; and further believes that the objective of providing powers to hold suspects for periods sufficient to obtain further evidence can best be achieved by a combination of charging with lower order offences within fourteen days, changing guidelines on interview after charge and the use of control orders.