Blair defends terror policy
Tony Blair has defended the Government’s decision to use unprecedented measures in the war on terror.
He was writing in the Daily Telegraph after a Commons vote approved, by a slender margin, plans to give the Home Secretary the power to place terror suspects under house arrest.
In his article, the Prime Minister made it clear that he views protecting the public from terrorism as his most important duty, above safeguarding civil liberties.
He wrote: “There is no greater civil liberty than to live free from terrorist attack.”
Mr Blair spoke of a possible imminent threat to the UK and warned an attack was possible in the run-up to the general election, making reference to the Madrid bombing in 2004.
“The Madrid atrocity took place during the Spanish election campaign and it may be that such things can also be possibilities here too,” wrote the Prime Minister.
The bill, which will be discussed further in the Commons on Monday before being passed on to the House of Lords, experienced a great deal of opposition from MPs.
In the second reading of the bill, it was passed with a majority of just 76. It was approved by 309 votes to 233, with 32 Labour MPs voting against it.
Such opposition means concessions may have to be made to the bill, which Home Secretary Charles Clarke has hinted at.
The prevention of terrorism bill proposes “control orders”, which as well as house arrest could impose curfews, tagging or bans on telephone and internet use.
