Detention without trial confusion is Keystone Cops politics - Clegg

1.24.10am GMT Thu 15th Nov 2007

Nick Clegg

Commenting on Lord West's differing statements on the issue of extending the time terrorism suspects can be held without trial, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Nick Clegg MP said:

"This is Keystone Cops politics. First the Government wanted 90 days, then 56, then it failed to produce any evidence for a change and the Home Secretary admitted she had no idea how many extra days she wanted.

"Now we have the pitiful spectacle of a minister saying one thing at ten minutes past eight and the exact opposite an hour later after a meeting with the Prime Minister.

"It is alarming that on such a vital issue, which determines the balance of liberty and security in Britain today, the Government appears to have no idea whether it is coming or going."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.