BLACKPOOL, England, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Britain's Liberal Democrats said they oppose the passage of some of the government's controversial anti-terror measures through Parliament.
Home Affairs Spokesman Mark Oaten said Wednesday the party would not give the government a "blank check" over new legislation to be introduced to Parliament in October. He told the party's annual conference in Blackpool that plans to extend detention without charge to a maximum of 90 days and to outlaw "glorification" of terrorism would endanger civil liberties.
Lib Dems would oppose these measures in Parliament, he said -- thereby breaking the cross-party anti-terror consensus achieved after the July 7 London bombings.
"If we give up the fundamental principles of justice, we are giving in to the terrorists," he said, adding the Lib Dems would work with the government on the legislation.
The government says an extension to the period police can hold suspects without charge is necessary because of the complexity of terrorism cases. Police chiefs requested a 90-day limit, citing greater difficulties involved in interrogating suspects and obtaining evidence. But critics point out that three months is the average time served by someone sentenced to six months in prison.
The Lib Dems also oppose plans to create an offense of "glorifying" terrorism, which they say is open to too broad a definition. They say a further offense of indirect incitement, also included in the bill, would be adequate.
The party supports proposals to outlaw acts preparatory to terrorism, giving or receiving terror training, and indirect incitement to terrorism.
