The bill extends to 42 days the period of detention in which terrorism suspects may be held without charge. It was passed by 315 votes to 309 after nine Democratic Unionist Party members led by Revd Ian Paisley voted in favour. It was opposed by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, together with 35 Labour rebels.

“This is a futile, disreputable and politically motivated piece of legislation”, said Jesse, who wrote earlier this week on this issue in the Guardian Online. “I would like to congratulate Paul Keetch MP and his colleagues for joining the Conservatives in opposing it.”

“The government has not produced a shred of evidence for why the 42 day extension is needed. The police have mixed feelings; the intelligence services see no need for it; and the Director of Public Prosecutions and judicial system are opposed. It will not pass through the House of Lords.

“Why was this bill put before Parliament at all? It is pure party politics from a Prime MInister who has lost all credibility and is trying to look strong.

“But what about the real issues? Fuel and food prices are rocketing upwards, inflation and interest rates are on the rise, growth has slowed and the economy is faltering in the face of huge budget and trade deficits. Public infrastructure in rural areas such as Herefordshire is in desperate need of renewal.

“The country is crying out for effective leadership. And all we get is party politics from Mr Brown.”

Jesse’s piece this week in Guardian Online can be found at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/09/civilliberties.gordonbrown

BBC Midlands Today have a report on it here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7444244.stm.