Law Society on governments latest anti-terror plans

25 January 2008

Commenting on the Government's latest anti-terror plans, which include holding terror suspects for up to 42 days without charge, Andrew Holroyd, Law Society President, said:.

"The Law Society opposes the creation of a reserve power for the Home Secretary to extend pre-charge detention to 42 days.  There is no evidence of any need to increase the already lengthy 28 day period a suspect can be held before they are formally told the reason they are detained.  The Government should not legislate to restrict liberty in this way on the basis of hypothetical scenarios, particularly as it may increase the risk to the public by alienating communities and making people less willing to come forward with information."