MI5 Boss Briefs Security Committee

While specific security breaches – like yesterday's embarrassing loss of millions of people's child benefit data - may not be on the agenda, the UK's Home Affairs select committee is today studying ideas about protecting the country from terrorism - including now controversial proposals on extending the time a terrorist suspect can be held without charge beyond 28 days.

The committee is to be briefed by top spy, MI5 chief Jonathan Evans as part of their inquiry into the government's counter-terror proposals.

The MI5 director-general is however unlikely to make any recommendation on the issue as MI5 itself does not have power to arrest suspects.

He is instead likely to outline the nature and evolution of the terrorism threat.

The meeting is an informal private briefing rather than a formal session for giving evidence.

In the background though, Prime Minister Gordon Brown is attempting to win a cross-party consensus for extending the 28-day limit, which is currently opposed by both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Security minister Lord West has previously led to controversy and accusations of government incompetence when he denied being forced to change his mind on extending terror detention limits.

Lord West first told the BBC he "had yet to be convinced of the need to extend the 28 day limit" - a view at odds to most recent ministerial comments.

Then, just over an hour later, after a visit to Downing Street, he told the BBC that he was actually convinced of the case.

He later insisted he had not changed his mind, saying as a "simple sailor" he had not chosen his words well.

Last week, Mr Brown also announced plans to step up security at railway stations, airports and ports as part of government attempts to tackle terrorism.

He said that, from next year there will be new security barriers, vehicle exclusion zones and blast resistant buildings, and rail travellers face having their luggage screened at large stations.

Mr Brown said improved security would be brought in at 250 railway stations, plus airports, ports and more than 100 other sensitive locations.

Guidance on how to keep people safe would be sent to thousands of cinemas, theatres, restaurants, hotels, sporting venues and commercial centres, and all hospitals, schools and places of worship.

Architects would be encouraged to design better security in new buildings, such as blast-resistant materials, safe areas and traffic control measures.

(BMcC)