THE Government has unveiled its plans in the fight against terrorism to detain terrorist suspects without charge for up to 90 days.

Several judges have already said this would contravene the Human Rights Act, which incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into British law.

I dispute the need for the new law. After all, what can one learn in 90 days which you cannot learn in a week?

It worries me a person could be locked up for three months just because the police suspect them of being involved with terrorism.

I have no time for people who try to blow up innocent people such as the London bombers and would throw the book at them. However, it has to be done within the law. If they are guilty let them be brought before the court. Not locked up for 90 days on suspicion.

When the Prime Minister in his speech at the Labour Party conference spoke of his efforts to batter the criminal justice system his intemperate language showed how strained relations have become between the Government and the judiciary.

I find it ironic that it was the Prime Minister who pushed through the Human Rights Act, which gave judges power to overturn any law they thought incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Perhaps if he had discussed this with his wife, who is a prominent Human Rights lawyer, he would not have been so keen to sign up to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Terrorism is a real threat which the Government has to combat but in doing so it would be wrong to follow the path of dictatorships and lock up anybody who the Government or police disagree with.

Councillor D PEARSON, St Michael's Court, Blackburn