Terrorism Bill

I think that the hon. Gentleman’s fears are correct. It is very difficult to get this legislation right, but we must do so, because if we fail we risk doing far more damage by imposing this law than we do in terms of enhancing the security of our own population or advancing the fight against terrorism more generally. I had a brief exchange with the Home Secretary about the Bill’s compatibility with the European convention on human rights. I am less certain than he is that the 90 days’ detention is consistent with the convention, paragraph 3 of article 5 of which says that detainees"““shall be entitled to trial within a reasonable time or to release pending trial.””" The 90-day period could well be tested, not only in our own courts but in the court at Strasbourg. We need a more robust response as to whether the Bill is compatible. I can tell my right hon. Friend the Minister for Policing, Security and Community Safety that I will be voting with the Government tonight because the Bill must be properly examined in Committee.