Concerns voiced over new terror powers Times Online and David Cracknell, Political Editor of The Sunday Times
Labour and opposition MPs joined Muslim and civil rights groups today in voicing concerns over proposed new anti-terror laws designed to give police powers to stop and question anyone in the UK. John Reid, the home secretary, who is quitting next month, intends to extend Northern Ireland's draconian police powers to interrogate individuals about who they are, where they have been and where they are going. Under the new laws, police will not need to suspect that a crime has taken place and can use the power to gain information about "matters relevant" to terror investigations. Anyone who refused to give their name or explain what they were doing could be charged with obstructing the police and fined up to £5,000. Mr Reid's cabinet colleague Peter Hain, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, warned the tough new anti-terror restrictions could become "the domestic equivalent of Guantanamo Bay". David Davis, the shadow Home Secretary, said that the "draconian announcements" appeared to be more of a "wish to project the reputation of Mr Reid and Mr Blair in their last weeks in office, than a need to protect the British public". He added: "The Government should understand that no amount of new draconian laws will make up for incompetent implementation. "We will consider carefully every proposal the Government comes up with and support those we judge to be effective, reasonable, and will not act as a recruiting sergeant for terrorism. This cannot, and will not, be concluded in four weeks. "A consensual approach to terror laws is the right approach to take but will take some time." Bertie Ahern, the newly re-elected Irish Prime Minister, said Northern Ireland had been looking forward to the amendment of restrictive legislation introduced during the Troubles. He told Sunday Live on Sky News: "International terrorism is something nobody can take for granted and nobody can ignore... but it would be a pity if that continues what has been a very restrictive regime in Northern Ireland which is certainly [image: Times Online Logo 222 x 25] May 27, 2007 -- Are you agreeing with this article? Do you think this is propaganda or biased? Have your say? Please join this debate and post your comments. Please click, Reply to All, button when reply. Thanks. -- * The poor always curse the rich but harbour the desire to become so themselves and if they become rich they also begin to have the poor. If is unfortunate that the rich also hate the poor, which they can someday become themselves. ** No dictator has died with dignity and the misuses of authority is never worshipped. * http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/ -- Ends
