David Davis has blogged today in defence of his position on 28 days, his critics are asking why he voted for that if detention without charge is so wrong. Here’s his explanation:
For me, we should only be keeping someone in jail without telling them what they are charged with for as shorter period as is necessary, bearing in mind the need to protect the public. Detention without charge is a necessary evil – it must be strictly limited … My view is that 21 days has proved necessary on the basis of experience. I can also see that the police need some limited margin for error, because terrorism investigations are unique. The current 28 day limit more than allows for that.
Davis concludes by saying that he can support 28 days but not a day more. This seems odd to me as he has admitted that 28 days contains some fat.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in