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House Arrest To Be Used Against G8 protesters

z====z | 08.03.2005 15:14 | G8 2005

Tony Blair in scotland for the Scottish Labour conference told the Sunday Mail that he couldnt "rule out" the possibility that the current house arrest legislation going through Parliament could be used against G8 protesters, Doubtless this is the real reason for the rush rather then the loads of old bollocks about hundreds of trained terrorists running around being put out by the likes of John Stevens.

LABOUR IN DUNDEE: BLAIR: G8 WRECKERS RISK HOUSE ARREST

Detention without trial 'cannot be ruled out EXCLUSIVE

By Lindsay Mcgarvie Political Editor

G8 PROTESTERS could be placed under 'house arrest' under the Government's new anti-terror laws.

Prime Minister Tony Blair, in Dundee for the Scottish Labour conference, told the Sunday Mail the Draconian new laws could be in place before the world leaders meet at Gleneagles in July.

The Prime Minister, who holds the G8 presidency, did not rule out slapping control orders on protesters out to wreck the summit, which will discuss poverty and the environment.

Blair said he is confident British intelligence will identify and deal with rioters coming from abroad.

Asked whether Home Secretary Charles Clarke would use the new anti-terror laws against G8 protesters, Blair said: 'I couldn't rule it outHe added: 'It would be very odd if people came to protest against this G8, as we're focusing on poverty in Africa and climate change.

'I don't quite know what they'll be protesting against.'

But he said he welcomed peaceful protesters who will gather in Scotland to pile pressure on world leaders, including President George Bush, to help Third World countries crippled by debt, famine and disease.

Blair said: 'There will be people who come out on the street in favour of the Make Poverty History campaign and that's a good thing.'

Last week, the Home Secretary squeezed his anti-terrorism Bill through the Commons after giving in to calls that only a judge should be able to place anyone under house arrest without trial. In Clarke's first draft, he would have had the power to do that as Home Secretary.

Blair also heaped praise on Jack McConnell for his drive for a full smoking ban in public places.

He said: 'The trouble with smoking in a public place is that you do affect other people's freedom to not be exposed to smoke.'

And he revealed: 'I had to give up when I married as part of the marriage contract. Cherie hates smoking. Her grandfather died of cancer so she's always had a thing about it

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