UK: REID 'HYPE ON THREATS'

[AlamoDemoc]

The Home Secretary was accused of sexing up the terror threat to boost
his chances of becoming Prime Minister.

By Bob Roberts Deputy Political Editor - Sunday Mirror
16 November 2006

JOHN Reid was yesterday accused of sexing up the terror threat to boost his chances of becoming Prime Minister.

The Home Secretary yesterday said an attack was "highly likely" with al-Qaeda chiefs coordinating 30 plots from abroad.

And he said he feared a "wave" of terrorist strikes being planned for the next few months.

It is the third official terror warning issued in a week. And some MPs believe Mr Reid is trying to boost his credentials as a challenger to Gordon Brown. There are also fears young Muslims are being paid up to £1,000 to pass on information to MI5, encouraging them exaggerate rumours.

One MP said: "During the terror threat over the summer there was a feeling John Reid was playing it for all he was worth to show his Prime Ministerial credentials."

Patrick Mercer, Tory security spokesman and ex-intelligence officer said: "I have absolutely no doubt that John Reid intends to be the leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister.

"He is ruthlessly trying to prove himself to be the tough anti-terrorist."

And MPs backing the Home Secretary, known as the Reid Group, want a new department of security with its own minister.

Meanwhile MI5 is unhappy at Government plans to detain terror suspects for 90-days without trial saying it is a "stunt".

on edit: http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=reid--hype-on-threats--&method=full&objectid=18103202&siteid=94762-name_page.html

[Doctor_J]

1. Good luck, Brits - Karl Rove has taken over your political dialogue

Who'd have thought you'd have to vote TORY to try and save your country?

[upi402]

2. That's why I worry about DINO's so much

I'd hate for US to get to the point where Ol' Blighty is... that we have to vote Republican to get our country back from corporatists and war profiteers.