[UK] Government majority cut to just ONE vote in terror bill vote

[gbarford]

Government majority cut on terror

The government's majority was cut to just one vote after warnings that its anti-terror plans could encourage young people to become terrorists.

John Denham, chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, raised fears about moves to outlaw glorification of terrorism.

Critics tried to force through change to make it harder to prosecute people under the new intent.

The government won the vote by 300-299 - but its normal majority is 66.

-snip-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4398100.stm

This wasn't the very top concern for Labour rebels, so it looks like Blair will be defeated in a few hours on another amendment.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Just one? Damn

I'd like the whole thing to get defeated, so the government is forced to think the whole thing through.

There was an ominous quote from Blair in the debate:

Mr Blair earlier warned MPs to "think very carefully" before opposing the bill, and reminded them that the 90-day pre-trial detention had the backing of the police.

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,15935,1607043,00.html

He was saying "if the police want it, they should get it". That, surely, means the start of a police state.

[Vidar]

2. Can you say "No Confidence Vote"?

[Spazito]

3. Wow, is it possible the bill will be defeated as a whole

and, if so, will it be considered an official vote of non-confidence in the government?

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. No, in the UK votes of confidence are specific motions

My guess is that anyway, the overall bill will get through the Commons, with a compromise on the time of detention without charge. But the close votes will encourage the Lords to vote against it (quite possibly the whole thing). Yet again British human rights will end up depending on unelected lawmakers.

[Spazito]

5. Thanks for your response!

I hope the Lords do vote against it and, I agree, it is a sad commentary when it is those who are unelected that are working to protect human rights while those elected to represent the people are working to abuse them.

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Latest: Clarke concession on terror laws

Home Secretary Charles Clarke has moved to head off a further revolt over new anti-terror laws after the government's majority was cut to just one vote.

Mr Clarke's climbdown came as he faced possible defeat on plans to extend the time terror suspects can be held without charge from 14 days to 90 days.

He appealed for a vote on the issue to be delayed while he sought consensus.
...
"My proposal is that we engage in urgent discussions with colleagues on all sides of the House to see if we can reach consensus on a figure beyond 14 days," said Mr Clarke.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4398100.stm

[Spazito]

7. Thanks for the info and the link!

This is good news, at least for now. It will be interesting how many days they will come to agreement on, if any, in any new amendment proposed.

[cal04]

8. Blair retreats on British anti-terrorism law

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been forced to back down on terrorism laws to avoid a first major defeat during eight years in power. Mr Blair's Labour Party were poised to help vote down plans to give police the right to hold terrorist suspects without charge for up to 90 days, forcing a Government climbdown.

Mr Blair has declared he will not fight another election after winning a third term in May, a move analysts say risks his power waning as the clock winds down on his premiership. Last week, ministers split openly over major policies, previously unthinkable for a government which had imposed iron discipline since taking power in 1997.

To avoid outright defeat over the 90-day detention measure, Home Secretary Charles Clarke withdrew and promised a new round of cross-party consultation.

Mr Blair had put his personal authority behind the measure, insisting police needed 90 days in some cases, up from 14 at present, because of the difficulty in building a case against terrorism suspects.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200511/s1496614.htm