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ITN

Police 'need tougher terror laws'


Police 'need tougher terror laws'

The Home Secretary has warned Britain needs controversial new anti-terror laws as police probe up to 30 active plots against the UK.Jacqui Smith faces a backbench rebellion over plans to extend the time suspects can be held without charge to 42 days.The Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald is among a number of senior figures who have voiced misgivings about the plan.Ms Smith said in a newspaper article: "We now face a threat level that is severe. It's not getting any less, it's actually growing."Police are struggling to keep on top of terrorist activity in Britain, she said."There are 2,000 individuals they are monitoring. There are 200 networks. There are 30 active plots."That has increased over the past two years. Since the beginning of 2007, 57 people have been convicted on terrorist plots."Nearly half of those pleaded guilty so this is not some figment of the imagination; it is a real risk and a real issue we need to respond to."We can't wait for an attack to succeed and then rush in new powers. We've got to stay ahead."Under the proposals the Home Secretary would be able to extend the custody limit to 42 days if a Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions backed the move.The Commons and the Lords would have to approve any extension within 30 days.

ITN | April 13, 2008

Tags:. .able. .active. .activity. .actually. .ahead










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