National Security and civil liberties must be balanced said the Home Secretary Theresa May as she announced a rapid review of current counter-terrorism powers of the Government.

The review will look at six areas:

    - the use of control orders
    - stop and search powers in section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and the use of terrorism legislation in relation to photography
    - the detention of terrorist suspects before charge
    - extending the use of deportations with assurances to remove foreign nationals from the UK who pose a threat to national security
    - measures to deal with organisations that promote hatred or violence
    - the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) by local authorities, and access to communications data more generally.


Lord Ken Macdonald QC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions and a life peer would provide independent oversight ensuring that all relevant options are considered and recommendations are balanced.

'National security is the first duty of government but we are also committed to reversing the substantial erosion of civil liberties," said Ms. May before adding "I want a counter-terrorism regime that is proportionate, focused and transparent. We must ensure that in protecting public safety, the powers which we need to deal with terrorism are in keeping with Britain’s traditions of freedom and fairness."

'We will look at the evidence presented to us and where it is clear that legislation needs to be amended or powers need to be rolled back, we will do so.”