Responding to Charles Clarke’s assertion that plans for 42 days’ detention without trial should be abandoned by the Government, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Charles Clarke has joined the growing consensus of politicians from all sides in believing that extending detention without charge beyond 28 days is unnecessary and possibly counterproductive.

"Gordon Brown must back down now or risk a humiliating defeat that will further undermine his already flagging premiership."