Terror pair 'still public threat'

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Two terror suspects remain a threat to the public after absconding months ago, police minister Tony McNulty confirmed.

A third missing suspect is believed to have left the UK, with steps being made to ensure he does not return, Mr McNulty told MPs and peers.

That man's order had banned him leaving the country to prevent him committing acts of terror abroad.

Mr McNulty said control orders were "less than ideal" as a means of monitoring suspects.

The police minister was appearing before the joint committee on human rights.

Police operations

Eighteen control orders are in place, with three absconders.

Asked if the three were a threat to the public, Mr McNulty replied: "Clearly in one form or other they were, that is why they were subject to control orders.

"In one case we are fairly certain that the individual is not in the United Kingdom and steps have been taken to ensure that he does not come back to the United Kingdom.

"In that case, from memory, the immediate threat from that individual was precisely travelling abroad to commit acts of terror rather than being a domestic threat.

"The other two remain at large and a matter of police operations," he added.

Both control orders and pre-charge detention of 28 days were needed in exceptional circumstances, he told the committee.

However, the government was hoping the 28-day detention could be extended if necessary.

Mr McNulty said he would consult widely on such a plan, and was pushing for a counter-terrorism bill.

The committee has recently criticised the government for failing to give enough time to debate the control orders and other laws for keeping terror suspects under close monitoring.

Algerian suspects

Mr McNulty was also questioned about six Algerian terror suspects who were returned to Algeria, but said he was unable to give any details about their whereabouts.

The suspects have the option of remaining in touch with the British Embassy, either through their representatives or directly.

The most recent deportations occurred in January, and at the time human rights groups said Algeria had a well-documented record of torture and that Britain had knowingly deported the men despite this risk.

But Mr McNulty said letters had been exchanged between the prime minister and the Algerian president, with assurances that the men would not be ill treated.