Brown warns MPs on security vote

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Addressing the Commons ahead of the crunch vote, the Prime Minister said the measure was "right and necessary" for the security of the country.

But in a highly-charged session of Prime Minister's questions, Tory leader David Cameron warned Mr Brown that he was playing into the hands of terrorists by "trashing" civil liberties.

Earlier, the Tories conceded that the Government was likely to win the vote, despite an expected revolt by more than 30 Labour MPs.

In the House, Mr Brown said it was essential that the Government faced up to the terrorist threat in light of warnings from the police and security services.

"Our first duty is the protection of national security. We fail in our duty if we do not take preventative measures," he said.

"I say in sorrow rather than anger, it is no use opposition for opposition's sake. We have to take no risks with security."

Mr Cameron insisted that police and prosecutors were divided on whether the measure was necessary while some were concerned that it might prove counter-productive.

"Isn't it clear that terrorists want to destroy our freedom and when we trash our liberties, we do their work for them?" he demanded.

He accused Mr Brown of "ineffective authoritarianism". He said he had offered many concessions in an attempt to buy off rebels but the legislation may now prove "unworkable".