UK struggles to push thru' tough anti-terror laws
AFP, London
Britain's government faced a tough battle yesterday to force controversial anti-terror laws through parliament allowing suspects to be put under limited house arrest, amid predictions ministers could be forced into a humiliating climbdown. Opposition parties have threatened to derail attempts by the government to rush the Prevention of Terrorism Bill through parliament unless they are offered significant concessions. The proposed law allows the government to impose so-called "control orders" on terrorism suspects, under which they could face measures such as electronic tagging, or even being placed under a form of indefinite house arrest, without trial. Human rights activists vehemently oppose the orders, saying the fact they are imposed by the interior minister rather than a judge makes them highly illiberal and open to abuse.
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