Labour retreats from 'draconian' terror measures

Controversial anti-terrorism legislation has been dropped from tomorrow's Queen's Speech to become part of Labour's election campaign.

The measures - dubbed " draconian" by civil rights campaigners - include proposals to use phone tap records in courts and set up special anti-terror courts without juries.

Both were originally expected to be unveiled tomorrow. Instead, they are being held back and may be deployed in the election campaign to outflank the Conservatives on lawand-order issues.

In addition, Home Secretary David Blunkett is drafting laws that could be used against terrorist suspects who have not yet committed an offence but are believed to be preparing the ground for an attack. Suspects could be ordered by civil courts to keep away from dangerous groups or internet sites - and be liable to criminal prosecution if they refused.

Some six security and crimefighting Bills will figure in the Queen's Speech, including tougher action on drug abuse, the creation of an organised crime-busting agency and a new range of penalties for antisocial behaviour.

The drugs clampdown will allow addicts to be prosecuted even if they are not in possession of supplies. A new law will mean they can be taken to court if traces of a banned substance are found in their bloodstream.

The Drugs Bill will include new powers to force addicts into treatment. It will also allow police to give drugs tests to people arrested over minor crimes, while council tenants whose homes are used by drug addicts will face eviction.

But it comes after the first draft of a report by Downing Street's strategy unit warning that a new clampdown would not cut crime.

The unit called for heroin on prescription, which it claimed would reduce crime by taking the market for the drug out of the hands of criminals.

Another key point in the Queen's Speech will be Mr Blunkett's attempt to push his Bill introducing identity cards into law before the election. He suggested yesterday the cards could become compulsory by 2010, with voluntary cards being circulated well before.

Speaking of the move, the Home Secretary said: "What we're trying to do is to square an impossible circle which is to protect ourselves against new forms of threat and adapt our legal system to face it without eroding the basic human rights that people expect in a free and civilised society."

But Liberal Democrat Mark Oaten said the laws were an attack on civil liberties, while the Tories accused Mr Blunkett of talking tough without any action. "Tough-sounding, headline-grabbing statements, without the substance to back it up," said home aff airs spokesman David Davis.

Other Bills expected tomorrow include a clampdown on loan sharks and extortionate credit deals.