MAJOR SUPPORTS TOUGHER LAWS
Major supports tougher laws
BRITAIN'S former Prime Minister, John Major, spoke movingly in the Commons of the "horror of Omagh" but reiterated his faith in the North's peace process as he backed the new anti-terrorist laws.
He insisted: "There is still reason for hope in this process, although scarred by the death and misery we have seen."
Mr Major told a hushed House: "Inch by inch we move forward. Inch by inch the impossible dream of a few years ago moves closer to become a practical reality."
But although pledging his support for the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill to toughen the fight against terrorism in the wake of the Omagh atrocity, he warned the measure "shows everywhere the signs of haste" and may in future be shown to be defective in some parts.
Mr Major said during the second reading debate: "We are asking this House to agree to it today. I am sure we will.
"We are being asked to endorse a policy the Government has speedily brought together. It is almost bound to have loopholes. It would be a miracle if it did not have loopholes."
He warned that because of the haste with which it had been brought forward, MPs might have to correct any defects.
Earlier, Mr Major said: "The objective of this bill is one we can all share. There is no member of this House who condones terrorism. But however worthy the motives of the Government we do have a duty to ensure workable, practical and credible legislation.
"This Bill has been brought forward in some haste for perfectly understandable reasons to respond to the public mood."
BRITAIN'S former Prime Minister, John Major, spoke movingly in the Commons of the "horror of Omagh" but reiterated his faith in the North's peace process as he backed the new anti-terrorist laws.
He insisted: "There is still reason for hope in this process, although scarred by the death and misery we have seen."
Mr Major told a hushed House: "Inch by inch we move forward. Inch by inch the impossible dream of a few years ago moves closer to become a practical reality."
But although pledging his support for the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Bill to toughen the fight against terrorism in the wake of the Omagh atrocity, he warned the measure "shows everywhere the signs of haste" and may in future be shown to be defective in some parts.
Mr Major said during the second reading debate: "We are asking this House to agree to it today. I am sure we will.
"We are being asked to endorse a policy the Government has speedily brought together. It is almost bound to have loopholes. It would be a miracle if it did not have loopholes."
He warned that because of the haste with which it had been brought forward, MPs might have to correct any defects.
Earlier, Mr Major said: "The objective of this bill is one we can all share. There is no member of this House who condones terrorism. But however worthy the motives of the Government we do have a duty to ensure workable, practical and credible legislation.
"This Bill has been brought forward in some haste for perfectly understandable reasons to respond to the public mood."
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/245
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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