‘All parties’ work on anti-terror measures

Political parties are working together to examine a range of anti-terror measures in the wake of July’s bomb attacks in London, the Prime Minister has announced.

Speaking after discussions with Opposition politicians at Downing Street, Tony Blair said that all parties were supporting the creation of three new offences, banning inciting terrorism, preparing an attack and giving or receiving terrorist training.

Mr Blair said: “I am very pleased that the cross-party consensus on the way forward is continuing. I think when the main political parties present a united front then you send an important signal to the terrorists of our strength, our determination, our unity to defeat them.”

The Prime Minister also said that other measures, including increasing the time terror suspects can be held without charge and increased use of phone taps and other intercept evidence in court, are also being considered.

However, Conservative leader Michael Howard expressed concerns about extending police powers to hold terror suspects for three months without charge. He told reporters: “We see considerable difficulties in this. That is a long time to hold someone without charge and possibly just release them after that.”

However, Mr Howard welcomed the proposal to increase the use of phone tap evidence in court. He said: “Intercept evidence should be admissible at trials and we have put forward a detailed scheme which we believe will meet all the concerns expressed and that is being looked at seriously.”

The Prime Minister said that the proposals would be finalised and put to the Opposition parties in September.

(KMcA/SP)