New UK security proposals unveiled

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - The government unveiled new security proposals on Tuesday but shied away from announcing any firm plans to extend the period a terrorism suspect can be held without charge.

Details of a new counter terrorism law were given during the Queen's Speech, which came just a day after the head of the domestic intelligence agency MI5 warned of a growing number of Islamists at large in the country.

The proposed new law would allow post-charge questioning of terrorism suspects, something currently only permissible in a criminal inquiry with the consent of the accused.

The new rules would mean that negative inferences could be drawn in a trial from a refusal to answer questions.

Other measures include setting up a counter terrorism DNA database, making it easier for the police and intelligence services to share data, and tougher monitoring of terrorism offenders on their release from prison, with a possible ban on overseas travel.

However there was no firm commitment to extend pre-charge detention times for terrorism suspects.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair suffered his first defeat in the House of Commons two years ago over plans to allow police to hold suspects for up to 90 days, following a rebellion by Labour MPs.

Instead, parliament agreed on a compromise deal which means they can be detained for up to 28 days.