Arch-critic backs PM on terror detention

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 21:48

GORDON Brown has been urged not to back down over plans to detain terror suspects for up to 42 days – by one of his fiercest critics in the Labour Party.

Frank Field, the former welfare minister, said the Prime Minister should stand firm during next month's Commons clash over counter-terrorism laws.

But Labour rebels and opposition MPs yesterday demanded a series of changes to the bill. Among those threatening to rebel are some who supported Tony Blair's botched bid to extend the detention time to 90 days – suggesting it might be even more difficult for Mr Brown to have his more modest proposals pushed through.

However, Mr Field will tell GMTV's The Sunday Programme tomorrow that Mr Brown should "make the case again … and, if need be, lose the vote". If a terror suspect did something "wicked" if they were released earlier, then that way "it wouldn't be on the Prime Minister's conscience, it would be on those in the House of Commons who actually defeated him".

But MPs have rejected any extension beyond 28 days as "wholly unnecessary".