Michael Howard

Michael Howard has said his party will now vote for the government's anti-terrorism law.

The Conservative leader announced his decision after fresh concessions from the home secretary.

Speaking in the Commons, Charles Clarke outlined plans for a wide-ranging consultation on the workings of the government's next anti-terrorism legislation after the election.

This could provide opposition parties the chance to table amendments to the legislation currently being considered, Clarke told MPs.

Howard said this move was a "sunset clause in all but name".

"Our bottom line has always been the sunset clause," he said. "We've got the substance of what we were asking for."

The Tory chief said the prime minister had "only himself to blame" for the legislative mess.

Tony Blair had been "arrogantly asserting that he is the only person willing to fight terrorism".

"If only he had been less arrogant these sensible changes could have been agreed to quicker and in a more dignified manner," added Howard.

His comments came as MPs voted to send the government's preferred version of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill back to the Lords.

It is now expected that peers will vote to accept the legislation.

Despite the last minute breakthrough, Howard went on to mount a wider attack on the government.

"These are difficult issues. That is why parliament needed proper time to consider them – time Mr Blair refused to give it. If only he had been less arrogant, these sensible changes could have been agreed to in a quicker and more dignified manner," he said.

"But there is more to be done. Britain’s lack of border controls poses a grave danger to our national security. There are over a quarter of a million failed asylum seekers living in our country today.

"No-one knows who they are, or where they are. There are no checks on people coming into or leaving our country."

Howard said a Conservative government will make tackling illegal immigration a priority.

"It is only through a combination of tough anti terror laws and strict border controls that we will defeat the terrorist threat," he added.

Clarke's concession

The home secretary had earlier said the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats should "recognise the value of this constructive proposal" being offered by the government.

The Lib Dems said they would give the offer careful consideration.

And leading Tory MP Kenneth Clarke gave it a cautious welcome.

Opening the fourth Commons debate on the Bill within 24 hours, Clarke, said peers had to finally give way.

And he warned that opposition amendments would make it "more difficult" to deal with the increased terror threat.

Clarke told MPs that he needed new powers to combat the real terror threat.

"It remains the case that we are talking about people who pose a very substantial risk to people of this country," he said.