'Anti-terror law must be temporary'

David Blunkett's controversial measures to combat terrorism in the wake of the 11 September attacks should last no longer than "absolutely necessary", the Lord Chief Justice said today.

Lord Justice Woolf took the unusual step today of expressing his "concern" over the measures, which include the detention of suspected foreign terrorists without trial, adding: "Obviously that is something which I don't want happening for any longer than is absolutely necessary."

The Government's Anti-Terrorism Bill became law shortly before Christmas, following a major parliamentary struggle that saw Home Secretary Mr Blunkett making major concessions, and losing the proposal to make incitement to religious hatred a criminal offence.

Lord Woolf said the courts normally deferred to ministers on matters of national security, but people's human rights had to be considered.

He added: "If there is not justification for infringing these rights, then it is the judiciary's job to say so."

Lord Woolf's intervention on the issue follows his controversial suggestion that potential sex offenders could be locked up before committing a crime.

He also said today that the current Government was as guilty as any of passing laws in haste. He said: "There are areas where a little bit more deliberation - and I am not referring to David Blunkett in particular - I am just saying with regard to legislation in general, would be desirable."

He said the Human Rights Act had been a success, something underlined by the fact that parts of it had to be reversed to allow the new anti-terror laws.