One of the West's most senior police officers has spoken out against detaining terror suspects for 42 days without charge, in the run-up to a crucial Commons vote.

Labour MPs must decide whether to rebel against Gordon Brown's proposals tomorrow in what would be a potentially fatal blow for the beleaguered Prime Minister.

Downing Street admitted last night the crunch vote was looking very, very tight but insisted there would be no more concessions.

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©Guardian
Job on the line


Stroud Labour MP David Drew said he would be voting against the Government tomorrow unless something dramatic happened.

A national newspaper reported Avon and Somerset deputy chief constable Rob Beckley as opposing extending the detention period from the 28 days.

His voice is influential as he was the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) lead spokesman on communities and counter-terrorism from 2002 to last year.

The newspaper said he told a Muslim Safety Forum conference last month: "It would be wrong to think that there is a uniform, professional view within the police service.

"I, and I know other chief officers, do not see the necessity of 42 days; we can see the desirability, but at this stage I do not see the professional necessity."

His speech, recorded on DVD, continued: "The issue now, unfortunately, has become very toxic and political, and we are moving away from rational debate."

However senior officers were split, with Northern Ireland chief constable Sir Hugh Orde backing 42 days, joining Britain's most senior officer, Scotland Yard Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, in support.

Sir Hugh insisted the police need effective and robust legislation now to take on an increasing terrorist threat.

Labour whips have been telling potential rebels they could be responsible for ending Mr Brown's time as PM.

But Mr Drew vowed: "I will vote against this on Wednesday, unless something dramatic happens.

"I am still not in favour of it because it is unnecessary and we have had a ratcheting up of the amount of pre-charge detention time."

He said he was in favour of international agreements to deal with anyone thought to pose a threat.

Rebel Labour backbencher David Winnick said efforts by the whips to paint the issue as key to Mr Brown's political survival were proving counter- productive.

Another senior rebel expressed confidence the vote was drifting away from the Government.

The nine Democratic Unionist Party MPs may prove crucial in the knife-edge vote, and they insisted they will not make a decision until the last minute.

The Government has flatly denied offering extra money for Northern Ireland in return for the DUP's support.

Mr Brown could survive a rebellion by as many as 35 Labour MPs if he can secure the support of the DUP and some Tories, such as Ann Widdecombe, who want the detention limit extended.

But the Prime Minister's spokesman accepted the result was not in the bag.

He added: "It remains the case that this vote is still very, very tight. The PM will be voting himself."

The proposals face an even tougher battle to get through the Lords, where former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer and ex-Attorney General Lord Goldsmith have been leading critics.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has also confirmed, based on legal advice, it would seek a judicial review if the 42-day extension was eventually passed by Parliament.