BRITAIN: Terror suspects plan 'messy and chaotic'.

Byline: By DAVID BARRETT 

GOVERNMENT plans to increase the period police can detain terror suspects without charge were battered by a wave of criticism last night.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced the controversial proposals - condemned as "messy and chaotic" by the Liberal Democrats - which would see the limit rise from 28 days to 42.

Under yesterday's proposals:

The Home Secretary will be able to immediately extend the limit to 42 days if a joint report by a chief constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions backs the move;

The Commons and Lords will have to approve the extension within 30 days;

The limit will be available to police for two months unless it is renewed;

Parliament could be recalled from summer recess if a vote is required on an extension;

Individual detentions over 28 days would need to be approved by a judge at least every seven days.

However, the way the system is set up could mean suspects being held for 42 days even if Parliament eventually refuses permission.

Such a scenario could arise if the Home Secretary only decided to extend the limit towards the end of the existing 28 day slot, because Parliament is only required to vote within 30 days.

Ms Smith said: "This isn't about win-win. It is about legislating now for a risk that I am clear does exist, chief constables are clear exists and the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation is also clear exists."

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said: "It is pig-headed stubbornness for the Government to push on with extending pre-charge detention just as the consensus against it is deepening.

"All the so-called safeguards in this latest scheme are just a figleaf for an unwarranted extension."