Lords' new attack on terror Bill

Peers are set to launch further attacks on the Government's proposed anti-terror laws tonight despite a concession by ministers.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said he would water down the planned legislation by ordering all measures to be re-examined after two years.

He claimed the U-turn was a sign of a "listening government".

The move is designed to placate critics who claim the Anti-Terrorism, Security and Crime Bill is too draconian. Under the new plan, a committee of Privy Councillors would review the Bill between 15 months and two years after it comes into effect.

However, the climbdown appeared unlikely to win over hostile Tory and Liberal Democrat peers who have threatened to block its passage. For two weeks the Government has offered concessions, none of which has done enough to meet the main concerns surrounding the Bill.

Conservatives have accused Mr Blunkett of using bully tactics, after he wrote to Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith warning of " dangerous consequences" if the Bill is delayed.

Ministers say that they want the Bill passed this week so that police can start to use the extra powers to deal with the terrorist threat after 11 September attacks.

MPs have been put on standby for an all-night Commons sitting on Thursday to approve the measures. However, if the Lords insists on opposing parts of the Bill then it could face extended delays.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to attend a summit of European Union leaders in Laeken, Belgium, at the weekend and Downing Street is thought to want the matter resolved before then.