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Proceeding contribution from Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 1 April 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill on Counter-Terrorism Bill.


Counter-Terrorism Bill

Is not a division clearly appearing in the House, between those who believe that we should remain passive and see what the terrorists inflict on us, and then react accordingly, and those who believe that at some stage we may need these extra powers, and that we should have them ready for the police to use before atrocities are inflicted on us? Those of us who quite rightly worry about the police abusing powers can look at their use of the existing powers. Is it not right that only a very small minority have been kept in detention for the maximum period? Most people have left. There is no evidence that if we extend the period, the police will automatically want to keep people for 42, 90 or 180 days, or whatever maximum we lay down.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
474 c652-3 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disclosure of information Crime prevention Criminal investigation Administration of justice Detainees Assets Crown Prosecution Service Coroners Borders Juries Immigration controls Offenders Police Powers Parliamentary procedure Police interrogation Media Minority groups Treasury Islam Sentencing Terrorism Security Travel restrictions
Legislation
Counter-terrorism Bill 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk