Reid frustrated at appeal decision

Mr Reid refused to criticise the judiciary over the decision but demanded: "How do you think it makes me feel?"

And he repeatedly emphasised that the human rights of individuals must be balanced against those of 60 million British citizens. He also warned that the cost of keeping tabs on the pair - known as DD and AS - would rise sharply once they were released.

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) allowed the appeals of the pair last Friday, granting them bail in principle under strict conditions, including a daily 12-hour curfew.

The Home Office opposed bail on the grounds they would abscond if let out of Long Lartin maximum security prison, where they have been under immigration detention.

But Siac Judge Mr Justice Mitting said keeping them in detention after they had won their appeal would be on the "cusp of legality".

Siac chairman Mr Justice Ouseley said in his ruling that there remained a real risk that the European Convention on Human Rights would be breached if the two men were removed to Libya.

The Home Office intends to appeal against Siac's decision.

Asked on BBC1's Sunday AM programme about the ruling, Mr Reid replied: "How do you think it makes me feel?" But he added: "I am not going to express my feelings because we are in the middle of an appeal process and because I got in trouble before about expressing views about the judiciary.

"Let me say only that national security should be the highest priority of Government and certainly the Home Secretary. The lives of individuals are obviously very, very important but so are the rights of 60 million individuals who make up this country and we better make sure we get that balance right."