Use Of Terrorism Powers Must Not Become The Norm

12.00.00am GMT Fri 31st Oct 2003

Commenting on the judgement that terrorism laws were not used unlawfully on demonstrators at the Docklands international arms show, Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London Simon Hughes said: 

"Anti-terrorism powers were meant to be exceptional powers, used occasionally and only when the circumstances demanded it.

"We must protect London's residents, workers and visitors. But people will rightly question the government's decision to authorise the use of Section 44 on a rolling basis in every corner of London.

"The experience has been that these powers have been used not against terror suspects, but against thousands of peaceful protesters.

"People understand and accept the need for special powers at times of heightened threat. But we cannot have a situation where exceptional powers become the norm in our capital city."