Lots of speculation that there's an escalating crisis behind the scenes for the Coalition over control orders for terrorist suspects who haven't been charged (effectively house arrest). The Tories and Lib Dems both pledged in their manifestos to scrap control orders, and this was reiterated in the Coalition agreement, and it is thought that civil liberties was the "glue" that made the Coalition possible. The government's independent reviewer Lord Macdonald recommended scrapping control orders - however, Home Secretary Theresa May is thought to have decided she wants to keep them, in a move which is likely to infuriate Lib Dem backbenchers. David Cameron reportedly remarked recently that the government was heading for a "f***ing car-crash" over the issue. In a sign of this, Chris Huhne yesterday insisted he thought control orders should be scrapped, and the Tories' David Davis agreed with him today.

I've always thought Theresa May was pretty weak and this could be further evidence. I suspect people within the security services have had words and persuaded her. I hope Cameron either persuades her to change her mind again or looks for a new Home Secretary. At least it's good to see some Lib Dem ministers speaking out on this issue.

and I hope this Car Crash happens soon...

There were reports yesterday that Clegg had won the argument and that control orders were going to be scrapped, and replaced with terrorist suspects having a ban on foreign travel but freedom of movement within the UK. However, Theresa May appears to be digging her kitten-print heels in, as her aides have briefed today's papers saying no agreement has yet been reached, and that May is still inisistent on keeping the house arrest element - so it's all still up in the air, and this may yet be the f***ing car crash Cameron predicted.

 

Personally, I expect control orders will be scrapped, as I doubt Cameron really fears any impact May could have. That would be in my view the Lib Dems' first real win in the Coalition so far - which might soothe their activists for a bit, although it won't swing any votes either way,

...and now we've had U-turn #205 from Clegg, as he today pretty much confirmed that he's given in on control orders. Yet again, the Lib Dem line has been overruled by the Tories. And Clegg can't blame the deficit for this one either, as he so feebly attempted to do with tuition fees. What exactly is the point of the Lib Dems now?