Clarke signals new deal for terror Bill

Charles Clarke called on the Tories today to clarify an offer of a deal to pass the Government's controversial anti-terror laws.

The Home Secretary said he would not be rushed into accepting the plan unless the Conservatives gave more details.

In a surprise move last night, shadow home secretary David Davis said the Tories were willing to back the "house arrest" Bill if the Government inserted a " selfdestruct" clause making the laws expire in November this year.

An aide to Mr Clarke said it was unclear whether the Tories would then drop other amendments to the system of control orders, including increasing the role of judges in decisions. "We need to see the details, but so far the Tories have not contacted Charles directly so we do not know exactly what they are saying," the aide said.

The Tory plan would see a new anti-terror Bill put before Parliament after the election, with MPs and peers given months instead of days to discuss the details.

Mr Clarke's existing plans, which are being rushed through Parliament-in less than a fortnight, would become temporary laws to protect the country for nine months.

The unexpected offer was seen by many MPs as a chance for both parties to extract themselves from a politically dangerous controversy.

Mr Davis denied his move was sparked by fears that the party would look "soft" on terrorism if it continued to oppose the Bill.

Mr Clarke published his own amendments to the Bill this morning, including a move to let judges decide the most extreme forms of control order, when suspects are confined to house arrest.