Responding to the publication of the Home Office discussion paper on counter terrorism proposals Liberty Director Shami Chakrabarti said,

"It is unfortunate that the Home Secretary has ignored the powerful arguments made by the Privy Council that internment of foreign nationals should be brought to an immediate end. Indefinite detention without trial cannot be justified and has become counterproductive as it has alienated many British Muslims.

The discussion paper is extremely vague and makes no specific proposals. It appears that some of Mr Blunkett's Cabinet colleagues may well have persuaded him to remove the more extreme measures. However, we hope this lack of clarity is not used to bypass vital debate on the extension of terrorism powers. Our concern is that some of these proposals may be re-introduced as proposed legislation at a later date."