Clarke gives no ground over control orders
Home Secretary Charles Clarke today re-emphasised his determination to introduce control orders for terror suspects before the current regime of indefinite detention runs out next month.
Speaking after talks between the Government and the opposition parties, Mr Clarke told reporters that he and Prime Minister Tony Blair had during the talks insisted on their “strong desire” to secure emergency legislation before the March 10 deadline.
He told reporters: “I confirmed that the essence of that regime would be control orders strongly supported by the police and the security services with an appropriate level of judicial involvement in the application of the orders.”
The Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have been calling for greater judicial involvement in any restrictions on liberty. They believe that depriving an individual of liberty is not a decision that should be taken by politicians.
Both have also suggested that the Government should consider amending the law to allow the use of intercept evidence in court.
On the possible use of intercept evidence in the trials of terror suspects, he said he had explained that the Government had reviewed the matter fully and come to the view that this would not help secure further prosecutions.
Therefore, it would not be changing its stance on that issue.
However, Mr Clarke maintained the talks had been “useful”.
If the Lib Dems and Tories continue to oppose the plans then they are unlikely to pass through the House of Lords.
