BRITAIN: British opposition leader Michael Howard has demanded more details of the government's counter-terror plans, as more people charged in connection with last month's London bombings are due to appear before the courts today.
In a letter to the Lord Chancellor, Mr Howard said the proposals raised "serious questions" and elements appeared not to have been "fully thought through".
It came as confusion intensified over whether three firebrand clerics could face treason charges, as indicated by the attorney general's office at the weekend.
The director of public prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC, confirmed that treason charges had never been discussed between his staff and the Metropolitan Police.
Instead, discussions were focusing on whether the clerics could be charged with soliciting murder or withholding information under the Terrorism Act 2000, Mr Macdonald said.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair put forward a 12-point anti-terror plan on Friday before departing on his summer holiday.
The Tory leader wrote in his letter to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC: "Some of the measures do raise serious questions - in particular the extent to which they have been fully thought through.
"First, the prime minister said that the government would, if necessary, consider 'amending the Human Rights Act, in respect of the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights'.
"It is not clear what he meant by this. As you know, we have always had reservations about the principles behind that act and the extent to which it enables the judiciary to second-guess parliament.
"I would be grateful if you could clarify exactly what the government has in mind."
Mr Howard also said the government should clarify whether its plan to automatically refuse asylum to anyone who had participated in terrorism would be compatible with the 1951 Geneva Convention.
"As you know, we believe, like the prime minister, that the convention is outdated - but unlike him, we would support withdrawal from it," said Mr Howard, who also asked for clarification on a proposed time limit for extradition cases.
"I am keen to ensure that all these issues are properly considered, consulted on and thought through so that we can achieve consensus wherever possible on the best way to tackle the terrorist threat facing Britain," the Tory leader said.
Meanwhile, nine people, including two women, charged under anti-terrorism laws for failing to give police information about the botched July 21st attempts to bomb London, will appear in court today.
Yeshiemebet and Mulumebet Girma will appear at Bow Street Magistrates Court after being arrested in an armed raid on a public housing estate in the Stockwell area of south London on July 27th.
Police accused them of failing to give information to detectives which could help convict someone "for an offence involving the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism".
Seven other people will also appear in Bow Street under the same charge.
The failed bombings on July 21st came two weeks after four suicide bombers killed 52 people in three Underground trains and a bus.
Police have said they believe they have also arrested the four people they suspect of trying to plant the bombs on July 21st.