Clause 22
Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Bill
2:15 pm
The Minister said that it is necessary for the powers to remain in place. That may be the Government’s clear view now, but why has it changed from the clear view expressed by the Secretary of State and Ministers when the House was debating the Terrorism Act 2006, which would extend the powers to July this year—and only in extremis extend them for a further year and no more? That was the Government’s clear statement then. Are things worse now than they were last summer?