42-day terror detention sought
Terror suspects should be held for 42 days without charge, government plans reveal
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The government has unveiled plans to hold terror suspects for 42 days without charge.
Home secretary Jacqui Smith said the controversial proposals would only be used in "exceptional circumstances".
At present individuals suspected of terrorism offences can be held for 28 days without specific charges being brought against them.
Two years ago then prime minister Tony Blair saw plans to hold suspects for 90 days without charge thrown out by the House of Commons.
Shadow home secretary David Davis says there is "devastating evidence" against the argument to hold suspects for more than 28 days.
"This country has the longest period of detention without charge in the free world. That is a simple case," he told the Today programme.
"Not by one or two days, by 100 per cent; double what everyone else has."
Human rights organisation Liberty has expressed its "grave concern" over increases to the terror detention limit.
Its director Shami Chakrabarti claims there is "no justification" for the rise.