§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Blunkett)Thirteen foreign nationals have so far been detained using powers in Part IV of the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security (ATCS) Act 2001. Eight were detained in December 2001, one in February 2002, two in April 2002, one in October 2002 and a further one on Saturday 23 November.
Of the total detained, two have voluntarily left the United Kingdom. The other 11 remain in detention.
The persons detained have been detained under a primarily immigration power. They are not being held pending criminal charges.
All of those detained have had access to legal advice throughout the detention period. There is no limit to the number of legal visits the detainees may receive.
My decisions to detain these individuals were made on the basis of detailed and compelling evidence. That evidence will be examined by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission when the individuals' appeals are heard, as provided for under the ATCS Act. The Commission is equivalent to the High Court. It has the power to overturn my decisions.
9WSWhere terrorism is concerned our paramount responsibility is to ensure public safety and national security. So long as the public emergency subsists, where a person is suspected of terrorism but cannot currently be removed and for whom a criminal prosecution is not an option, we believe that it is necessary and proportionate to provide for extended detention, pending removal.