Islington MP Voices Concern Over Terrorism Bill

Wednesday 26th October 2005

Emily Thornberry, the MP for Islington South and Finsbury, voiced concerns over proposals to extend the possible period of detention without charge for terrorist offences from fourteen days to three months. She spoke during a debate on the second reading of the Terrorism Bill on Wednesday 26th October.

Addressing the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke MP, Emily Thornberry MP said:

‘Does my right hon. Friend recognise that a number of Labour Members have grave reservations about this clause and about extending the period for which people can be kept in custody on no charge from 14 days to 3 months? Although many of us might vote for the Bill on Second Reading, we have grave reservations.’

Charles Clarke MP has accepted a need for further discussion on the plans and Emily Thornberry will be meeting with Home Office Ministers over the coming week to discuss the issue. Responding to Emily Thornberry MP, Charles Clarke MP said:

‘I certainly recognise that. I have discussed those reservations with a number of colleagues, and if I might say so, my hon. Friend put the position accurately and succinctly. The way to address such reservations is to accept that we need legislation, to have arguments and discussions inside our party and across the Floor of the House on the matters of concern, and in particular the 90-day limit and then to decide what to do.’

Following the debate, Emily Thornberry MP said:

‘I welcome the fact that the government is engaging in constructive dialogue on this issue. I, and many of my colleagues, remain to be convinced that extending the period of detention without trial to 90 days is necessary. We must not make the mistake of reacting to terrorist atrocities by removing the very freedoms that the terrorists wish to attack.

The committee stage of the Terrorism Bill is to be debated on the floor of the House of Commons on Tuesday November 2nd and Wednesday November 3rd.

Editors Notes:

1.      Emily Thornberry’s contribution to the debate, and Charles Clarke’s response, can be read here (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm051026/debtext/51026-11.htm#51026-11_spnew2). Emily Thornberry’s contribution received coverage on BCC 4 (27th October Today programme and Today in Parliament).