Howard accused of playing politics

The Home Secretary has hit back after Michael Howard accused Labour of playing politics with the fight against terrorism.

The Home Secretary has hit back after Michael Howard accused Labour of playing politics with the fight against terrorism.

In The Independent yesterday, the Tory leader called for terrorist suspects to be brought to trial and for intercept material to be admissible in court.

And he said the Government's "spin-machine" had rubbished him within minutes of leaving talks at Downing Street on legislation plans.

But Charles Clarke said yesterday: "Michael Howard made it clear at that meeting he did not think there was any case for control orders at all - in cases where there was no ability to get a prosecution that simply nothing should be done. That was his position, I found that extraordinary.

"I would say again to the Conservatives and to everybody else, we do not wish this to be a party political issue. I am surprised by the approach the Tories have taken."

In a letter to Mr Howard, he said he was "astounded to read the claims in your article".