Civil Liberties Vs Civil Defence

I’m naturally inclined to support the Police when they ask for a change in the law to enable them to do their job but I have to admit to some pretty serious doubts about the proposal to increase the period in which a terrorist suspect can be held without charge from 28 days to 42.

The counter-terrorism argument is fairly straightforward. The incredible complexity of modern investigations can require the translation and de-encryption of thousands of data sources (as after the July 7th.bomings) or involve enquiries on three continents (as in the case of the atrocity that was prevented in London by the car being towed away before its contents could be detonated).