No case for extending detention
14 December 2007 - SACC
In the last two days, tow different Parliamentary committees have said that there is no case for extending police detention without charge (so-called "pre-charge detention") beyond the current limit of 28 days.
The Home Affairs Select Committee said it yesterday (Thursday 13 December). The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) said it today.
And the JCHR said that Parliamentary safeguards proposed by the Home Office would be "virtually useless"
The latest government proposals would involve the House of Commons and the House of Lords approving an extension to 42 days in exceptional cases, within 30 days. The JCHR said that would be "virtually useless as a safeguard" as the delay would mean a suspect could end up being held for 42 days anyway, even if Parliament eventually voted against it.
- No case for longer terror limit - BBC report on the Home Affairs Select Committee, 13 December
- More calls to ditch terror plans - BBC report on the JCHR, 14 December