Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/256017 
Year of Publication: 
2006
Series/Report no.: 
SWP Comments No. 24/2006
Publisher: 
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Berlin
Abstract: 
The Heathrow terrorist plot has intensified debate in Britain concerning the proper limits of Executive power in anti-terrorist efforts. Even before the plot was made public, the government had ventured to remove constraints on its scope for action, calling for 'outdated' human rights norms to be adapted in the face of transnational terrorism. It has also sought out international channels through which to deal with transnational terrorism; these boost its clout vis à vis domestic opposition. News reports and opinion polls meanwhile indicate scepticism that the government is behaving in an honest manner when presenting, and dealing with, the terrorist threat. Calls for human rights laws to be strengthened can be heard. Such a move would not, however, appear to substantially safeguard civil liberties. Upgrading parliamentary control, particularly over these international channels, is mooted as a more effective means of maintaining the legitimacy of the government's anti-terror policy, whilst safeguarding civil liberties. (SWP Comments / SWP)
Document Type: 
Research Report

Files in This Item:
File
Size
86.94 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.