E-Paper
New terror attacks on Britain likely: Report
New terror attacks on Britain are likely, including suicide bombings like the ones that killed 52 commuters on London's transportation system, a watchdog on anti-terror measures reported on Wednesday.
New terror attacks on Britain are likely, including suicide bombings like the ones that killed 52 commuters on London's transportation system, a watchdog on anti-terror measures reported on Wednesday.
"Further suicide bombings in the UK must be expected, and the targets are unpredictable," said Lord Carlile, who was appointed by the government to review anti-terror laws. Carlile reported that he had drawn those conclusions after reading government documents he found alarming.
Four suicide bombers killed themselves and 52 commuters when they blew up three London subway trains and a red double-decker bus on July 7.
Carlile's report came as Prime Minister Tony Blair's government said it was seeking renewal of the power to put restrictive orders on terrorism suspects without charge or trial.
After a showdown within Parliament last year, the law giving courts the authority to impose restrictions such as house arrest in cases where a terror suspect cannot be brought to trial passed with the requirement that it be renewed every year.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke, the country's top law enforcement official, told the House of Commons that the government wanted the powers extended. Parliament will likely debate the issue within weeks.
He also said the government would seek to combine several existing anti-terrorism laws into one comprehensive bill, which it plans to propose to lawmakers next year.
