Clause 72
Counter-Terrorism Bill
9:45 am
Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
I rise to support what my hon. and learned Friend has said. It is very important that this House, and thus this Committee, should not pass retrospective legislation. As I understand the intention of clause 72, it is either to define more clearly or to enlarge the class of activity that might trigger an application for control orders. Control orders are essentially penal in their consequences, although they are not treated as such by the Government.
I agree with my hon. and learned Friend that people should not be subjected to restrictions on their liberty as a result of retrospective legislation. If there is no powerful justification for what is being done, I hope that we will divide the Committee on this subject.