The home secretary has described the terrorism threat facing the UK as "severe" and "growing".

In a News of the World interview, Jacqui Smith said 30 terror plots were being investigated and police needed to be able to detain suspects for longer.

Ms Smith is facing a Labour rebellion over plans to extend the time suspects can be held without charge to 42 days.

The Tories and LibDems say increasing the time police can hold suspects will not help the fight against terror.

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'Growing threat'

Ms Smith said: "We now face a threat level that is severe. It's not getting any less, it's actually growing.

"There are 2,000 individuals they are monitoring. There are 200 networks. There are 30 active plots.

"That has increased over the past two years. Since the beginning of 2007, 57 people have been convicted on terrorist plots.

"Nearly half of those pleaded guilty so this is not some figment of the imagination. It is a real risk and a real issue we need to respond to.

"We can't wait for an attack to succeed and then rush in new powers. We've got to stay ahead."

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