John Baron Responds to Article in the Sun

Commenting on the article on him in The Sun today over his opposition to 42-day detention without charge, Billericay and District MP John Baron said:

“I realise how sensitive this issue is for Mr and Mrs Taylor, but 42-day detention without charge would not have prevented the terrible events of 7/7 and will not protect us against a future attack: the Government admits as much, because the purpose of 42 days is to prolong investigation after a plot is uncovered and not to prevent it.

“No evidence has been produced to show that 42 days is necessary. The Director of Public Prosecutions has argued it is not needed and even the Security Services have not called for it. Parliament should legislate on the basis of evidence, not suspicion.

“During my service in Northern Ireland, I saw how internment became a recruiting sergeant for terrorism. 42-day detention would do the same thing. We risk doing the terrorists work for them if we now dismantle our hard-won liberties.

“Figures from Liberty clearly show that throughout Europe and North America, where the terror threat is no less than in Britain, the limit on pre-charge detention is less than one week. Why then do we need six?

John spoke out against proposals for 42-day detention on the Bill’s second reading. He is today seeking an opportunity to speak on the Report stage.