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Terrorism Bill

No. The hon. Gentleman might at least allow me to make my introductory comments. Secondly, the hon. Member for Walsall, North said that there was very little that divided him and the Home Secretary. I hope that very little divides hon. Members on the sensitive issue of terrorism. I hope that we are all aware and convinced of the serious threat that this country faces. I hope that we are all convinced of the need to take the most appropriate and effective action to combat that threat. The point on which we differ is whether the Government’s proposals are the right response to the latest event or to likely events. My party and I are not convinced of the case for 90 days. In fact, I suspect that the Home Secretary is not convinced. There are media reports drawn from what appear to be wholly credible sources that he said,"““I believe there is room for debate about whether we should go as far as three months””." That suggests the presence in his mind of doubt regarding the appropriateness of the proposals.