Lib Dems: Public misled over detention without charge

The Liberal Democrats have said the government has got anti-terror laws "badly wrong", after today's human rights committee report into counter-terrorism legislation.

Home affairs spokeswoman Lynne Featherstone agreed with the report’s recommendations to allow the use of phone-tap evidence in court, so suspects could be convicted rather than detained without charge.

"The government is willing to lock up suspects without charge but isn't willing to use intercept evidence to convict. We have to ask, what is the purpose of their incarceration if not to convict?" she said.

"The government has been rattling sabres about extending the 28-day period without charge. This reports put a nail in that coffin."

Ms Featherstone continued: "Clearly we have been misled over the use of the terror law of detention without charge. If the suspect is not being investigated during incarceration - then that detention is being conducted under false pretences."