Robin Wilton's esoterica

       
 
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07 Nov · Mon 2005

The 90-day detention proposals


As the government's proposals make their way through the House of Commons for their second pass, we're waiting to see what amendments (if any) they are prepared to offer in order to reduce the current level of oppsition. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, has been sounding conciliatory about the 90-day figure for detention without charge, saying it's 'not critical' and holding out hopes that he would settle for a shorter period. However, the Prime Minister has been expressing a much tougher line, saying that "the case for 90 days is as compelling as ever". Well, that's probably true whichever part of the political spectrum you occupy. Personally, I think the case is just as compelling as it was: not very. Mr Blair also said that he had no fallback position, because to compromise on the 90 day period "is to compromise on the security of the country". This is, of course, a false opposition. Accepting 90-day detention without charge does not offer the alternative of uncompromised security. By definition, the government cannot offer absolute security: any level of security is the outcome of compromise, one way or another. The level of opposition to these proposals suggests to me that people view a 90-day detention as disproportionate. That certainly reflects the spirit of Londoners in the wake of the 7/7 bombings. However, I can also see a risk that this whole debate is getting polarised around inter-party haggling over some figure between 14 and 90. However disproportionate the 90-day limit, it should not be allowed to divert attention from the other shortcomings of the bill.
Posted by racingsnake @ 09:44 PM GMT+00:00
 
 
 
 
 
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Such views as I express in this blog are based on my own opinions, experience and judgements. They do not necessarily represent the policy or views of my employer. It is not my intention to offend readers in any way. If you find anything on this blog offensive, please contact me in the first instance.
Robin Wilton
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