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Government plans to extend the length of time that suspected terrorists can be detained without charge from 28 days to 42 days were accpeted in the Commons, earlier today. Of course, the arguments were simple. The government argued that this power would only be used in the most extreme circumstances and may, in the future, be vital for national security. On the other hand, the opposition pointed out that the 28-days already placed Britain's detainment period amongst the lengthiest in the developed world, and even this has rarely been required, and so this represents nothing more than an infringement of civil liberties.
Brown has managed to avoid a government defeat which was likely to see him out of office. But only just. The ayes numbered 315 to 306 noes, and as such a nine vote majority is hardly that convincing. Especially when we consider that the DUP eventually supported the government, and that they wield a 9 MP strong Party in the Commons, it is certain that the government would have lost had they voted the other way.
So for now, Brown lives to die another day. But for how long? His whips have only just pulled it off this time, but by a frighteningly (for Brown) small margin. However, with little legislation of such controversy headed to the commons for a while, Brown may breathe again. Looking ahead, the next few months will be decisive. The government's handling of the forthcoming oil-tanker strike seems to have avoided the intense criticism (surprisingly) that we might have expected, even from the Conservatives, and this is good news for Brown. If the government can control rising inflationary pressure and keep a firm lid on unemployment in these difficult times, people's faith in the PM may be restored.
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Posted by mikey1 on 2008-06-11 15:21:35 | Rating: | Views: 42
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