Anti–terror powers may be reduced

Published on 14/09/2012 00:00

Anti-terrorism powers that enable officers to stop anyone entering the UK and detain them without reasonable suspicion may be scaled back, the Home Office has said.

Asian communities feel they are being singled out by officers using the “Schedule 7” powers disproportionately against ethnic minorities, campaigners and police chiefs have warned.

Under the proposals, the maximum examination time could be reduced from nine hours; increased oversight and training could be brought in, and those stopped could have the right to publicly-funded legal advice.