Law Society statement in response to planned extension of the period of pre-charge detention

7 December 2007

News: In response to the news that Home Secretary Jacqui Smith plans to extend the period that terrorism suspects can be held without charge for up to 42 days, Law Society President Andrew Holroyd said:

"The Law Society is strongly opposed to the proposal to extend pre-charge detention to 42 days.  We do not believe that a case has been made for any extension beyond 28 days.  Any increase to the time limit that terrorism suspects can be detained without charge would be a significant step.  It could lead to people being locked up for over a month despite the police having no real evidence against them.  We hope that any decisions made on this issue will be based on an objective and evidence-based assessment of the need for an extension of powers."