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Counter-Terrorism Bill

He certainly made it clear to the Committee that he would expect an adequate and strong case to be established by 24 to 28 days. The last person I wish to pray in aid is the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Hugh Orde. Hon. Members should bear his comments in mind, because we have considerable experience in tackling terrorism in Northern Ireland. Only a couple of days ago, he said:"““Sadly the day will come when the number 28 is important as it will not be high enough. It may not be today or tomorrow but we have to plan for it. The overwhelming majority of cases to date fall well under the current limit. But come the day when we face such an assault, we must have the right powers available. Powers that have been debated and thought through right now, and not after an outrage. For that will be too late.””" It will be too late, because we in this House are not good at legislating in a panic.