Lords set to reject 42-day plan

The controversial bill to detain terror suspects without charge for up to 42 days is expected to be overwhemingly defeated by the House of Lords today. The counter-terrorism bill was narrowly passed through the House of Commons in June by nine votes and it is expected that large numbers of peers will vote against the measure today.

However the Government is determined to press ahead with plans for the extension to the current maximum detention time of 28 days.

A Home Office spokesman said the police needed the appropriate powers to "tackle terrorism".

"That is why it is right and proper to legislate now to put in place the reserve power to go beyond 28 days if in future there is a clear operational need for it.

"We will now continue to press for these important measures as the Bill continues its passage through the House of Lords."