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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, November 28, 2001

UK Anti-terror Bill Passed in Commons

An emergency anti-terrorism bill drafted by the British government passed the Commons Stages on Tuesday morning by a majority of votes, despite a series of backbench revolts.


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An emergency anti-terrorism bill drafted by the British government passed the Commons Stages on Tuesday morning by a majority of votes, despite a series of backbench revolts.

Twenty-one Labor rebels voted against it, but the government overcame Conservative and Liberal Democrat opposition to pass the anti-incitement measures by 323 votes to 79.

Members of parliament had been given three days to consider the124 clauses, covering everything from the detention of terrorist suspects without trial to a new offense of incitement and religious hatred.

The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill will later on Tuesday go to the House of Lords, where it is expected to face a rough ride during eight scheduled days of scrutiny.

Although the Lords can delay legislation by sending it back to the House of Commons, it cannot prevent the bill becoming law.

Ministers want the new law to be in force by the end of the year. Home Secretary David Blunkett told parliament that Britain was still at risk from terrorist attacks.




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