Council backs Davis on 42 days stance
HULL city councillors have backed David Davis' stance
against 42-day terror detentions.
Councillors voted 41-9 at a full meeting of the authority to
agree a motion opposing extended periods of detention for
suspected terrorists.
The free vote saw Labour councillors split over the issue
and whether to express public support for Mr Davis in his
campaign.
Former Labour leader Councillor Colin Inglis, said moving
from 28 to 42 days was “a dangerous move” which threatened
fundamental human rights and civil liberties.
“We should send a message to the Government saying we are
opposed to this,” he added.
Labour colleague Councillor Dave Gemmell also voted to back
the motion but only offered qualified support for the former
Haltemprice and Howden MP.
He said: “I think it's all about internecine fighting within
the Tory Party and is a bit of a publicity stunt.
“However, on this policy he is right and I support him on
that.”
Other Labour councillors were more hostile, with deputy
group leader Councillor Daren Hale particularly vocal.
“To hear someone talking about civil liberties from the same
Conservative Party that sent in police to arrest miners just
because they were heading for a picket line is a disgrace.
“David Davis, you are not on my side and you never will be,”
he added.
Mr Davis, the former Shadow Home Secretary, quit after
failing to defeat the Government on plans to allow terror
suspects to be held without charge for up to 42 days.
The electorate of the Howden and Haltemprice constituency
will be asked to go to the polls on July 10, with Mr Davis
making a stand against the issue in the by-election.
3 Comments
by Colin 1, Hull
Monday, June 23 2008, 3:49PM
“Good to see democracy and principle rising above party politics and with a wapping majority. Well done councillors.”
by Norman, Hull
Monday, June 23 2008, 2:40PM
“Cllr. Hale, regarding civil liberties,are these the same that saw an elderly gentleman forcibly evicted from a Labour party conference? A Downing Street protester forcibly moved on and arrested under so called "Anti- terrorism legislation? The couple in Hull City centre banned for taking photographs? The OAPs' wearing protest T-shirts ejected from Heathrow airport?
under orders from the party you represent.Or do you only notice the restraint on civil liberties
when they affect people you support? However I'm pleased that at last you are showing some sense in agreeing with David Davis into the diabolical dictatorial way this Government
is erroding liberty,on an almost daily basis.”
by Sosumi, The Dukeries
Monday, June 23 2008, 10:59AM
“How nice to know that our Councillors are able to pass their *motions* keep eating your bran Councillors, it might stop your verbal diarrhea too!”