Extending pre-charge detention will undermine anti-extremism effort

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Jun 2008

Commenting on the Government's package to combat extremism in communities, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Worthy efforts to combat extremism will be undermined if the Government presses ahead with extended pre-charge detention, which has the same potential to radicalise the Muslim community as internment in Northern Ireland did with the Catholic community.

"The roots of terrorism can only be yanked out with the active help of the communities in which it exists, as we need both police intelligence and witnesses.

"Heavy-handed measures like 42 days detention will merely alienate the people we need on side."