Counter Terrorism Bill blog

Pre charge detention

4 The decision to increase pre charge detention limits from 14 – 28 days has been justified by subsequent events. That means we have been able to bring forward prosecutions that otherwise may not have been possible.

Since it now seems to have magically disappeared from the official websites, here is a link to our transcript of the Andy Hayman letter and attached "evidence" which attempted to justify the call for 90 days detention without charge last time around

Asst. Met Commissioner Andy Hayman's letter trying to justify 90 days detention without charge

See also

Computer Encryption and Mobile Phone evidence and the alleged justification for 90 days Detention Without Charge - Home Affairs Select Committee Oral Evidence 14th February 2006

5 We have made it clear that we believe it is right to go beyond 28 days but I want where possible to build broad agreement on the way forward.

6 I would therefore like to begin discussions now on how we might do this. One way might be to legislate now to extend the current limit but to make it clear that there would be further judicial and Parliamentary oversight. This would continue to include judicial approval every seven days for any requests to hold suspects. But it might also include a detailed annual report to Parliament with an accompanying debate.