Liberal Democrats call for calm after Washwood Heath terror raid (Birmingham Liberal Democrats)

Birmingham Liberal Democrats <info@birminghamlibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats call for calm after Washwood Heath terror raid

July 27, 2005 4:57 PM

Following the raids in Birmingham, including one in Washwood Heath Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy and Nicola Davies have appeared for calm.

Nicola Davies, Liberal Democrat candidate in last year's by-election and the recent General Election has called for residents of Washwood Heath and the whole of Birmingham to be calm. Nicola said "We obviously need to allow the police to fully investigate any leads. I would urge residents to co-operate with the police and also to be calm. The attacks on London both last week and those on 7 July were terrible and the perpetrators need to be caught. It is very easy to jump to conclusions, again I would urge all residents to remain calm and see what evidence is uncovered."

In an article in today's Independent, Charles Kennedy writes of the importance of finding "the right balance between the conflicting demands of security and individual freedom", while "avoiding party point-scoring in the aftermath of the London bombings". Recognising that people may be "inherently queasy or suspicious of apparently matey cross-party comings and goings from Downing Street", Mr Kennedy reassured readers that "there is no question of compromising Liberal Democrat principles", and stated that during his visits to Downing Street he had "made it clear to the Prime Minister that [the Lib Dems] are content to work with him to ensure that everyone can go about their business in safety, but will oppose any measure which is not proportionate to the immediate threat."

Tony Blair appears ready to accede to controversial police demands to extend the time terror suspects are held without charge from the current 14 days. Mr Blair also yesterday warned judges who have been 'blocking' deportations and other features of his anti-terrorist legislation that the public mood has hardened against such moves since the London bombings began. Mr Blair's wife Cherie has also joined the debate in warning that civil liberties must not be undermined by the government as it responds to the London bomb attacks.