Anti-terror Bill under fire

David Blunkett came under a barrage of fire from his own side this afternoon as he sought to rush emergency anti-terrorism legislation through Parliament.

A series of senior Labour MPs interrupted the Home Secretary's speech in the Commons to accuse him of blocking debate.

Fighting to be heard above shouts from the Labour benches, Mr Blunkett broke off from his speech to complain of being "substantially heckled" by former minister Mark Fisher. At Mr Blunkett's invitation, Mr Fisher got to his feet and warned: "Surely the Home Secretary accepts the historical precedents that when this House acts quickly it seldom acts wisely."

The Home Secretary hit back by accusing his critics, including lawyers and pressure groups, of being ignorant of the current state of the law. He denied his proposals, which include the declaration of a "public emergency", were too extreme. Had he acted more quickly in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 11 September, he could have come up with "even more draconian measures than the ones I am accused of bringing before this House". The Commons was debating the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Bill.