Counter-terrorism policy

Counter-terrorism legislation must be urgently reviewed, according to a group of MPs and peers.

The joint committee on human rights recommends that anti-terror laws should have a shelf-life of five years, after which they could be subject to parliamentary review.

An independent body should be considered, which would oversee MI5, MI6 and other secret agencies, allowing the public and parliament to assess the justification for government claims based on intelligence information, it says.

The report also recommends that terror suspects detained and not charged should be offered compensation and, if held for more than 14 days, should have access to counselling.

In addition, the ban on using phone tap evidence in court should be lifted, the committee says.

Many will welcome calls to reduce the secrecy shrouding counter-terror laws, however the government will argue that more openness might threaten national security.

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