Clarke stands firm over house arrest

A defiant Charles Clarke today insisted he would press ahead with plans for house arrest despite bitter opposition from many MPs.

The Home Secretary is refusing to back down over moves to detain suspected terrorists in their own homes.

Opponents of the scheme hoped he was ready to water it down after an outcry from civil liberties groups. The plans are also opposed by police and security services.

But today aides insisted Mr Clarke's position had not changed. A senior Home Office spokesman said: "These plans are an option." Mr Clarke's stance puts him on a collision course with the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and some of his own backbenchers. More than 30 Labour MPs voted against his predecessor David Blunkett's emergency anti-terrorism measures when they were introduced after the September 11 atrocities in 2001.

Tony Blair has made clear that he is willing to negotiate with opposition parties on the issue. The three main parties are expected to meet on Friday to discuss the proposals.