Top officer opposes terror law plan

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne made the call after Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur admitted he was personally against the controversial anti-terror measures.

Mr Ghaffur said he was sad his private comments to friends had been made public.

He said: "Whilst these are my personal views, I do not lead on counter-terrorism matters for the Metropolitan Police Service and I respect the professional assessment of colleagues who deal with counter-terrorism on a daily basis, and who envisage circumstances arising when the current upper limit of 28 days is not going to prove sufficient.

"The MPS fully acknowledges the impact that the issue of extending the pre-charge detention time limit has on community confidence and I will continue to support colleagues in the fight against terrorism whilst listening to the views of London's communities on these important matters."

Press reports said Mr Ghaffur had indicated a 42-day limit could make officers' jobs more difficult, and drive a wedge between police and Muslim communities.

Lib Dem Mr Huhne said: "It is nonsense to suggest that the police all agree with the Home Secretary's plan for longer detention without charge.

"I hope that the committee looking at the Counter-Terrorism Bill or the Home Affairs Select Committee will now call Assistant Commissioner Ghaffur to give evidence on the likely effects of this ill-advised measure."

Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald has publicly said he does not support an extension beyond 28 days.

Former Labour law officers Lord Falconer and Lord Goldsmith have also voiced reservations.