Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Monday, 11 June 2007 on behalf of the Home Office.

Detention without Charge

Question: What his policy is on the period of detention without charge for terrorist suspects; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: First, with your permission Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened to report to the House the death today of PC Jon Henry while on duty in Luton with Bedfordshire police. Tragic events such as his death highlight the dangers that police officers face day to day in their task of protecting the public. I have spoken with the chief constable of Bedfordshire police, Gillian Parker, and passed on my sympathies and those of the whole House to the friends, family and loved ones and colleagues in the police service of PC Jon Henry. I believe that events in the past 12 months have strengthened the case for extending pre-charge detention. However, I believe that we ought to seek broad agreement, if possible, on the way forward and have therefore opened consultations on the matter to see if a consensus can be reached.

Secondary information