Fuente : Conservative Party
http://www.conservatives.com/

CONSERVATIVES: All-Party talks on anti-terror legislation

/noticias.info/
The Government is giving serious consideration to changing the law to allow phone-tap evidence to be used in trials of terrorist suspects, Michael Howard has declared.

The Conservative Leader made the claim following talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy at 10 Downing Street on new legislation designed to deal with the terrorist threat in the wake of the bombing attacks on London earlier in July.

But Mr Howard downplayed the prospect of agreement on measures being sought by the police to increase the time in which suspects can be held without charge from 14 days to three months.

Stressing the importance of a united approach to the crisis, Mr Howard welcomed the discussions, and told reporters: "Intercept evidence should be admissible at trials and we have put forward a detailed scheme which we believe will meet all the concerns expressed, and that is being looked at seriously."

The Opposition Leader signalled that assurances had been received from the Prime Minister that Parliament - now closed down for a 10 week summer recess - could be recalled if further atrocities occur. "We discussed the possibility, and it will depend on events," Mr Howard said. He added: "If something happens that makes it important for Parliament to have a discussion and debate, we have had assurances that will happen."

But responding to the call for extended police powers to hold terror suspects for up to three months, Mr Howard said: "We see considerable difficulties in this. That is a long time to hold someone without charge and possibly just release them after that. This is being looked at by the Prime Minister and no doubt the Government will come forward with their proposals."

Mr Howard said he expected to hear from No 10 on firm proposals towards the end of August or early in September. "There is a great desire, at a time when the country faces such great danger, to work together. It is very important to see the country united in response to the danger we face. We hope it will be possible to reach agreement on further measures to deal with the threat more effectively." notas_de_prensa_archivo