MPs poised to attack terror Bill

MPs are preparing renewed attacks on the Government's controversial package of anti-terrorism laws tonight amid growing signs that Home Secretary David Blunkett may have to water down his proposals.

The plans to target terrorists trying to take refuge in Britain in the wake of the 11 September attacks are set to clear their final Commons hurdle today.

But then they are likely to face a fierce cross-party assault by peers opposed to moves to create a new offence of inciting religious hatred.

In the Commons, the Liberal Democrats have warned they will vote against the Bill if the Government does not change its plans to detain suspects automatically without trial, a move which has already sparked a large-scale rebelllion by Labour MPs

The Tories are focusing their opposition on proposals for the police to be given wider powers to check bank accounts and medical records.

Labour's massive majority means that the Bill is certain to clear the Commons, but in the Lords Mr Blunkett is likely to be forced into concessions.

The Home Office, however, has up to now steadfastly insisted he is not preparedto back down. The debate comes as Scotland Yard presses the Home Office for £300 million so it can pay for an increase in armed officers and equipment to protect London from terrorism. The force aims to put another 400 armed officers on the streets to protect diplomats, politicians and sensitive targets.

The Yard also wants to buy an extra 800 carbines and pistols and increase the number of armed response cars and bomb-proof vehicles.

The proposal could mean the biggest expansion of the force's firearms capability in 20 years.

Londoners have already been left to foot a bill amounting to £1 million a week for heightened security in the capital following the 11 September atrocities, London Assembly chairwoman Sally Hamwee claimed today.

Baroness Hamwee said: "The cost of extra security since 11 September has been huge and the strain on individual officers, working long hours without leave, is enormous."