Clarke faces opposition over 'control orders'

Home Secretary Charles Clarke's proposals to implement a system of 'control orders' to deal with terror suspects, have been heavily criticised by solicitors and human rights groups.

The Home Secretary revealed the new system yesterday. The measures include placing suspects under house arrest, as well as imposing curfews and tagging those suspected of being involved in terrorist activities. They will replace the controversial detention without trial, a part of the government's Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001, which was introduced in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks. The House of Lords ruled that detention without trial was "unlawful" last month and Mr Clarke promised that he would review the situation.

The Law Society heavily criticised the proposals. Law Society President, Edward Nally, said: "It is an abuse of power to place people under house arrest without evidence of criminal activity. The Government has said that prosecuting suspects is their preferred option. It should be the only option when individuals face losing their liberty."

Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group, Liberty, said: "Temporary restrictions upon a suspect's liberty are only legitimate as long as a criminal charge and trial are in prospect. Adherence to the rule of law should not be a game of cat and mouse. The government should not swap one human rights 'opt out' for another."

The proposed control orders will apply to both foreign nationals and British citizens, suspected of acts of terrorism. They would operate alongside a system of 'deportation with assurances', in keeping with human rights laws, which prevent the removal of anyone from the UK, who may face death or torture.

Mr Clarke told the House of Commons that the orders were "preventative" and said they were "designed to disrupt those seeking to carry out attacks, whether here or elsewhere, or who are planning, or otherwise supporting such activities".

Mr Clarke also said that the current terror suspects in detention, most of whom are being held at Belmarsh prison in London, would not be freed until the new control orders were in force, because they still represented a threat to the UK's security.

(KMcA/SP)