The government wants to extend the detention limit for holding terrorist suspects without charge yet again and are expected to push for 56 days. Another controversial proposal may result in the DNA of innocent Muslims being sent abroad. The plan involves storing DNA from anyone detained under the Terrorism Act, even if they are not charged, on the national database which could then be shared internationally.

Another measure may lead to profiling and a disproportionate number of innocent Muslims having their travel plans disrupted. Police powers to seize the passport of anyone they ‘suspect’ of heading abroad for terrorism-related purposes are being recommended.

Other proposals include a register of convicted terrorists, similar to that for sex offenders and to allow police to question suspects after they have been charged. The government also wants non-terrorist crimes such as credit card fraud which is used to assist terrorism to be punished with increased prison sentences.

Some of the proposals are clearly a cause for concern. An erosion of human rights is taking place under the guise of anti-terrorism laws and extremists will use this as a recruitment tool.

Express your views on the new anti-terror law proposals by taking part in a survey on the Muslim Voice UK website http://www.mvuk.co.uk/ from 21 September 2007. The findings will be sent to the government to be included in their consultation.