Geldof backs David Davis's campaign

Sir Bob Geldof was today throwing his celebrity weight behind former East Yorkshire MP David Davis's decision to highlight the issue of civil liberties.

Sir Bob – a close ally of Prime Minister Gordon Brown on tackling poverty and repression in Africa – was joining Mr Davis on the campaign trail in the Haltemprice and Howden by-election.

It is thought the pair will also speak at a rally at the Guildhall in Hull at lunchtime.

Giving his backing to Mr Davis's campaign to halt plans to detain terrorist suspects for 42 days, Sir Bob said: “What is the point of Britain without its freedoms? What terrorises the terrorists is our civilisation.

“I am delighted to support this campaign and I will be speaking on it in Hull.”

The backing, from someone he so regularly shares a platform with on the issue of development, could prove embarrassing for the Prime Minister.

Mr Brown has been forced to deny again that he resorted to “grubby deals” to squeeze the extension to pre-charge detention through the Commons last month.

Mr Davis quit as MP for Haltemprice and Howden last month so he could fight a by-election on the issue, accusing the Government of “trampling” on essential freedoms.

However, Labour has refused to field a candidate and ministers have been doing their best to ignore the contest, which takes place on Thursday.

Mr Davis said he was “delighted” Sir Bob was supporting his campaign.

Earlier this week, Conservative Party leader David Cameron visited the constituency to give Mr Davis his endorsement.

In the days before the by-election, Mr Davis is expected to be joined on the campaign trail by several members of the shadow cabinet, including shadow Chancellor George Osborne.

He will also hold a further debate with former Labour MP Tony Benn next week in London.