New terror limits to be unveiled

[Samishlol]

New proposals to extend the period that terrorist suspects can be detained without charge are to be unveiled by ministers, the BBC has learned.


They would permit detainees to be held for a maximum 58 days - 28 as now, plus 30 extra under emergency powers laws.

Tories, Lib Dems and some Labour MPs have said they will block moves to raise the 28-day limit.

BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the government will offer safeguards to address their fears.

Stepped up

These would include time-limiting the powers so that they might only last a matter of months, rather than years.

They would also be subject to both judicial and Parliamentary review.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he is determined to build a consensus on extending the limit beyond the current maximum of 28 days.

The news comes after security minister Lord West had to deny being forced to change his mind on extending the limit.
Mr Brown has also announced that security will be stepped up at railway stations, airports and ports as part of government attempts to tackle terrorism.

[Virgin Mary]

Like capital punishment, it has the major flaw that these people are just suspects and therefore might be innocent.

[FlyingJesus]

4 weeks should really be plenty of time to find evidence, and if they can't then either

1) They're not doing a very good job
2) The captive is very clever
3) The captive is innocent