British government ministers have taken "no effective action" to stop terror suspects moving in and out of Britain at will, the Tories claimed today after the government announced that fifteen international groups believed to be terrorist organisations are set to be banned.
Shadow home secretary David Davis said there were still not enough special branch officers protecting borders despite official warnings two years ago. Mr Davis said there were just 900 officers in place - 500 fewer than there should be.
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty defended the government. He said it was not only special branch who could deal with border control.
He also warned Mr Davis: "Do not malign our public servants. They are doing an excellent job." The exchange came as the Government prepares to publish its anti-terrorism Bill on Wednesday setting out new powers for tackling the terror threat in the wake of the July 7th bombings in London.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister Tony Blair still hoped to reach agreement with opposition parties over controversial plans to hold terror suspects for up to 90 days without being charged.
The proposal to extend the time suspects can be held before they are charged from 14 days to 90 follows a direct request from senior police officers who argue that they need more time for questioning.
However, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have questioned the need to detain suspects for so long, while lawyers have warned that it could fall foul of human rights legislation.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke - who gives evidence tomorrow to the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee - had already watered down a proposal to make the glorification of terrorist acts an offence in the face of opposition.
The Home Office also announced today that 15 further international terror groups are set to be banned under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Among the groups are Islamic organisations Ansar Al Islam, Groupe Islamique Combattant Marocain, Al Ittihad Al Islamia and Ansar Al Sunna. Being a member of a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000 can be punished by a 10-year jail term.