UK News 01-10-2001 New Anti-Terrorist Laws `Draconian` who: Tony Blair what: Announces draconian new anti-terrorism laws where: LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: "As fate would have it," says The Independent`s leader this morning, "today`s first anniversary of the coming into force of the Human Rights Act coincides with a powerful legislative backlash against civil liberties." Tony Blair announced yesterday the introduction of "draconian new anti-terrorist laws," says The Telegraph, "including powers of indefinite detention for suspects who flee to Britain from abroad". The laws are a direct result of terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11th. "Emergency legislation to be rushed through Parliament within the next four weeks will speed up extradition cases, crack down against abuse of the asylum laws and give police power to monitor bank accounts where they think the money may be financing terrorism," says The Times. In The Mirror, Peter Routledge challenges the prime minister to risk debating the measures at this week`s party conference in Brighton. "Where did Tony Blair choose to make his statement of intent?" he asks, rhetorically. "On the David Frost Show... an easy ride if ever there was one." [... more]

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