Warned - Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg MP

A Tameside Liberal Democrat Euro-MP has warned Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg that he must secure the abolition of control orders or face a backlash from his party. Chris Davies says that people suspected of terrorist offences should be charged and brought to court, rather than face indefinite house arrest at the whim of the Home Secretary.

The MEP has told BBC Radio 4’s ‘Week at Westminster’ programme that, to assist prosecutions, Liberal Democrats want juries to be able to hear evidence gained from monitored telephone calls.

He said: “Control orders represent a fundamental attack on the principles of liberty.  Nick Clegg has to be seen to fight for their abolition and he has to win.

“If he does not, many Liberal Democrats will question the value of being in this party.”

Control orders were introduced by the Labour government in 2005.  Critics claim that they undermine the presumption of innocence by requiring no evidence to be presented before severe restrictions are placed upon an individual.

While Liberal Democrats are committed to their removal, Conservatives are divided.  Justice Secretary Ken Clarke is backing their abolition, while Home Secretary Theresa May wants them to be retained.

Challenged to explain how he would address public concern about terrorist incidents, Chris Davies pointed out that control orders are not allowed in the USA.

He said: “Terrorists wish to undermine our values of freedom, democracy and liberty.  If we sacrifice these principles ourselves, the terrorists win.”