Terrorism (Detention and Human Rights)

I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s comments. My immediate conclusion is that with new terrorism legislation mentioned in the Queen’s Speech as a distinct possibility in the coming Session, it would be enormously valuable to have a commitment to subject that or any controversial elements of it— whether an extension to the detention period or another relatively important measure— to the pre-legislative scrutiny of a draft Bill. That would give the House space for more detailed examination than last year. I have no doubt that if that had happened last year, first, a consensus would have been reached on the 28 days—that was agreed in the end, but after much division in the House—and, secondly, there could probably have been agreement on how the detention period would be kept under review. That is not just a procedural point. An early report of my Committee, published in 2005 just before the general election, considered the general question of terrorism legislation and, in particular, relations with the Muslim community, which tend to be most directly affected because of the nature of current terrorism. We drew a number of conclusions. One recommendation was:"““The Government has now made a commitment to new anti-terrorism legislation and a review of existing powers. It is essential, in our view, that British Muslims are engaged fully in this review from the earliest possible moment.””" The recommendation continued:"““It follows from what we say that the new terrorism legislation cannot and must not simply be a set of police and judicial powers. It must be part of an explicit broader anti-terrorism strategy. In the context of international terrorism, it must explicitly and specifically set out how British Muslim leaders will be supported in assisting British Muslims in resisting extremist views.””" It goes without saying that last year’s terrorism legislation provided no opportunity for that type of engagement with the Muslim community or any part of the wider community.