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MI5 chief refuses to back longer detention limit Melissa Kite The head of MI5 has said he will not support the detention of terror suspects beyond 28 days, striking a fresh blow against Gordon Brown's anti-terror plans. Jonathan Evans told MPs at a private meeting that he was not willing to back the Government's proposal to extend to 42 days the period for which suspected terrorists may be detained without charge. The Prime Minister is already under pressure on the issue with growing opposition among MPs threatening him with a Commons defeat. A report by the Home Affairs select committee is expected to cite strong opposition to the plans from senior figures including Sir Ken MacDonald, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Lord Goldsmith, the former attorney general. The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has been summoned to appear before the committee on Tuesday to explain the proposals for a 42-day detention limit, itself a compromise on plans for 58 days, before it delivers its report.
(Article continues below) The committee has been unable to find a single voice in favour of the move apart from Sir Iain Blair, the Metropolitan Police commissioner. During separate briefings to MPs, Mr Evans said the Security Service would not make any recommendation as it does not have the power to arrest suspects.
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