Anti-terror laws coming under fire

Aug 7 2005 By Andrew Woodcock, Sunday Sun

There were signs yesterday that the political consensus on anti-terror measures adopted in the wake of the London bombings may be crumbling.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, called for unity across political parties and religious faiths to back proposals outlined by Tony Blair on Friday to tackle those who foment terrorism.

But the proposed measures have already sparked concern among lawyers, human rights campaigners and members of the mainstream Muslim community.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy spelt out his misgivings about measures such as the deportation of radicals to countries where they may face torture or execution, and the closure of mosques and bookshops where hatred is preached.

Conservative leader Michael Howard said that his party supported the Prime Minister's plans "in principle", but warned that the Government did not appear to have thought through the implications of the plans.

Conservatives will scrutinise the detail of the initiatives closely when they are brought before Parliament, he said.

At a Downing Street Press conference on Friday, Mr Blair outlined a 12-point plan to tighten anti-terror laws.

He warned that "the rules of the game were changing" since the July 7 atrocities and July 21 attempted attacks.

He said he was ready to amend the Human Rights Act in order to enable the deportation or exclusion of foreign nationals who arrive to the UK to foment terrorism.

And he disclosed that the Government was seeking assurances from several countries that such militants would not be tortured or executed if they were returned, in order to head off legal challenges to their removal.

He named two radical groups - Hizb ut-Tahrir and al-Muhajiroun - which are to be banned, and said he would look at new powers to close mosques, bookshops and websites which are used to promote the terrorist cause.

Lord Falconer said it was vital that the country remained united behind the Prime Minister in his action to tackle the terrorist threat.

"It is so important that there is unity, not just across the political consensus... but also in the Muslim community as well," he said.

But Mr Kennedy, who has long positioned the Liberal Democrats as the protectors of civil liberties, indicated that the Government could not rely on his party's support when the measures come before Parliament.

The Liberal Democrat leader said he would like to see the consensus built up since July 7 preserved.

He added: "A fundamental duty, a responsibility on all of us, whether Government or non-Government, is to uphold the rule of law and the safety of the citizen.

"But alongside that, of course, it is to uphold civil liberties and the right to free speech.

"It is getting that balance right that will be very important as and when, in due course, Parliament looks at the detail of the headings the Prime Minister was setting out."

Mr Howard said: "It is important that a united front is maintained in the face of the terrorist threat.

"We will scrutinise any legislative proposals carefully, but in principle we support what the Government has now announced."

The Islamic Forum Europe yesterday expressed "grave concerns" over Mr Blair's proposals.

IFE president Musleh Faradhi said: "If these proposed measures are allowed to see the light of day, they will increase tensions and alienate communities.

"The measures are counterproductive and will encourage more radicalisation; many Muslims will perceive our Prime Minister as playing into the hands of the terrorists."

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