Full print edition -- economist.com
New plans for detaining suspects have been rushed out. Why the hurry? "A MORE comprehensively consensual approach than we have ever taken before" was promised six months ago, when the government announced its fifth counter-terrorism bill in eight years. Previous bills had been piloted through Parliament at top speed, dividing MPs and in some cases leading to legislation that breached human-rights laws. This time a soothing consultation period and cross-party co-operation would prevent squabbling and mistakes, ministers pledged. The consensus approach now seems to be on the rocks. On December 6th the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, called an emergency press conference to announce plans to hold suspected terrorists for longer before charging them, a power long coveted by the government and opposed by other parties. Opposition MPs, who say they were shown the detailed plans no earlier than journalists were, accused the government of "pig-headed stubbornness". On the contrary, Ms Smith retorted, it is they who have refused to compromise. ...