Terror controls in doubt after Clarke blunder

Plans to put suspected terrorists under house arrest were in new doubt today amid evidence they are opposed by police.

Charles Clarke faced accusations of incompetence after it emerged the proposal may not have the backing of security services.

The Home Secretary was yesterday spotted carrying a confidential briefing document stating that security authorities do not support house arrest. The blunder appears to blow a hole in his anti-terrorism policy. Passages of the document were clearly on view as he left a Cabinet meeting.

They state: "The security authorities, including the police, have told me that they support Control Orders up to but not including 'house arrest' and I've come to the conclusion that we do not need to derogate now. Shall keep the situation under review."

Opposition parties demanded an explanation. Shadow home secretary David Davis said: "What on earth is Charles Clarke playing at? He comes to the House with a proposal which not only undermines 500 years of British civil liberties but is also against the recommendations of the police and security services.

"If he did this against the recommendation of the security service then bringing such a proposal to the House was improper. If he did it without consulting them it was incompetence." Mr Clarke's plans have triggered protest from opposition-MPs, who fear putting suspects under house arrest could turn them into martyrs.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair is thought to have told Mr Clarke that locking up suspects at home and stationing police officers outside the door could stir up trouble in local communities.

A Home Office spokesman did not deny that plans for house arrest had failed to win backing from police and security services. He claimed the documents were not sensitive enough to have to be concealed.