Concession to peers on terror

A review of David Blunkett's controversial terror legislation in the wake of the 11 September attacks is to be offered to peers in an attempt to head off another revolt. The Government suffered a surprise defeat last week when its proposed legislation was amended in the House of Lords.

Lord Rooker, the Home Office minister, will tell members of the Upper House that the Privy Council review will re-examine the anti-terrorism provisions after 15 months.

Ministers are braced for renewed attacks on the Bill to end judicial review for suspected foreign terrorists who can be held without detention.

Lord Rooker will tell peers that the Government is ready to set up a committee of seven privy councillors to hear evidence from the secret and intelligence services and civil rights campaigners on the working of the legislation and to report back to Parliament.

He also will promise a debate in both Houses. Leading Labour lawyer, Baroness Kennedy and the former Master of the Rolls, Lord Donaldson are opposed to parts of the bill but the Home Secretary, has rejected calls to drop the removal of judicial review.