Government wins terror control case

The Government's controversial control order regime restricting the day-to-day activities of terror suspects was given legal clearance by the Law Lords today - but was watered down.

Britain's most senior judges ruled that the most draconian power - an 18-hour home curfew - was in breach of the human right to liberty. But they held that a 12-hour curfew was acceptable.

Human rights group Liberty, which was a party in the crucial case, said it was a "significant blow" to the controversial measures.

Indefinite control orders, imposed on suspects by the Home Secretary, are one of the Government's key anti-terror measures.

Restrictions can include home curfews and bans on internet access and unauthorised visitors.

The orders were introduced two years ago after the House of Lords held that the previous system for dealing with suspects - indefinite detention without charge - breached their human rights.

The cases considered by the Law Lords involved 10 terror suspects placed under orders, including at least two who are on the run.

In the High Court and the Court of Appeal they successfully argued that the measures violated their right to liberty and a fair trial.