MPs have backed the government's emergency legislation on anti-terrorism powers.

The proposals will today return to the Lords, with Tony Blair urging peers to support the proposals.

The government secured the support of MPs after agreeing that judges, rather than the home secretary, would decide whether "control orders" limiting suspects' freedom should be imposed.

However, the Conservatives are refusing to back down on their demand for the anti-terror powers to lapse on November 30.

Speaking during prime minister's question time, Tony Blair challenged the Tories to vote against the bill - and be judged on it in a general election.

Blair told MPs: "We will have this debate here and we will have this debate in the country and we will see where the shame lies.

"But in my judgment it will lie with the Conservative party . . . If they want to vote against it, let them. We will be content ultimately to have the verdict of the country."

Responding, Tory leader Michael Howard accused the prime minister of wanting the bill to fail.

"He wants to pretend that he is the only one who is tough on terrorism," the Tory leader said.