Vote shows growing opposition amongst Labour Backbenchers to Terrorism Bill

16-17 Labour MPs voted against and about 40 abstained

Tonight's vote on second reading of the Terrorism Bill shows there is a large body of opinion on the Labour benches that is deeply concerned about the Government's failure to protect essential civil liberties.

John McDonnell MP, Chair of the Campaign Group, said

“The large number of abstentions and votes against should be a warning to the Government over this and the rest of its legislative programme.

“The Government now know that they can not get the Bill through in its present form and already are engaged in negotiations over dramatic amendments to the Bill.

“We are now confident that they will have to capitulate over a number of the main issues of concern and the Bill will eventually emerge a shadow of New Labour's original intention.”

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