New laws to hit families of terror suspects

Family and friends of terror suspects held under house arrest could face the same sanctions - despite not being accused of any crime.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke today admitted that people living with suspects could be barred from using telephones and computers.

They could also be searched on entering and leaving the property.

The revelation will fuel the row over the Government's proposed new anti-terror measures.

Mr Clarke said a current "state of emergency" justified extreme action: "The question is, do we have to take steps which we would prefer in a different kind of world not to take? Yes ... my first responsibility is to protect people."

The clampdown comes after 12 terror suspects were released from jail following a Law Lords' ruling that previous antiterrorism measures breached human rights.

Ministers will now impose "control orders" on the 12, and other suspects, without trial.

Mr Clarke told the Daily Telegraph: "I accept an individual is different to a family, but where there is an individual deemed to be a threat on security grounds we need the powers to stop that person engaging in terrorism."