Your MP Writes for the Chronicle Extra

May 2008

Much of my time in Parliament recently has been taken up with the Counter Terrorism Bill Committee.  How we prevent, deal with and prosecute terrorists is a matter affecting every community in our country.

As plots become more complex the government sought a cross party consensus on how to improve counter terrorist laws.  The consensus broke down over how long suspects can be lawfully detained before being charged.

The current maximum level of pre-charge detention is 14 days with an extra 14 days under emergency powers, annually renewed by Parliament.  The government proposes a further extension of up to 42 days, subject to judicial and parliamentary safeguards, an extra power available should it be needed.

The police warn that in the future 28 days may not be enough.  Plots may involve many people using different names, in a number of countries, using hundreds of computers, with documents in a number of languages.  The police also often face the dilemma of having to intervene to prevent an attack but without having all the evidence they need.

There is a clear difference of opinion on the proposals.  Some argue that 28 days is long enough, that no case has been made for an extension, and until the need has been demonstrated we should not legislate further.

I disagree with that view.  I listened carefully to the police who we give the job of tackling terrorism to.  I have also seen bad laws in the past, a knee jerk reaction to an emergency.  I prefer to see Parliament legislate as a precaution after calm and responsible debate.  I also believe we should be cautious, having the powers available in case we need them.  If something did happen and we were not properly prepared then my constituents would rightly ask why we failed to do our duty.