The Prime Minister has spelled out the government's response to the terror threat.
Much of it has already been floated, or discussed in anticipation of a new anti-terror law in the autumn. The things we haven't seen before appear, at first glance, to be the proscription of Hizb ut-Tahrir and al-Muhajiroun, and the willingness to amend the Human Rights Act:
Up to now, the concern has been that orders for deportation will be struck down as contrary to Article 3 of the ECHR, as interpreted by the European Court in the Chahal case in 1996; and indeed have had such cases struck down.
However, the circumstances of our national security have now self-evidently changed and we believe we can get the necessary assurances from the countries to which we will return the deportees, against their being subject to torture or ill-treatment contrary to Article 3. We have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordan and are close to getting necessary assurances from other relevant countries. For example, just yesterday, I have had very constructive conversations with the leaders of Algeria and Lebanon. There are around 10 such countries with whom we are seeking such assurances.
France and Spain, to name just two other European countries, do deport by administrative decision. The effect is often immediate and in some cases the appeal is non-suspensive in other words it takes place outside the country. The assurances given by the receiving nation are adequate for their courts and these countries are also subject to the ECHR and apply it directly.
So it is important to test this anew now, in view of the changed conditions in Britain Should legal obstacles arise, we will legislate further, including, if necessary amending the Human Rights Act, in respect of the interpretation of the ECHR.
In other words, we should be able to get people out of the country fast, and without being squeamish about deporting them to countries with bad human rights records.
Over to the Observer blog political cynicism correspondent.
Since there is not a whole lot new in this, and since the Home Office is due to make its own announcements on these matters, is it possible that Blair has puffed up a range of consultations and speculations into a big announcement so he can grab headlines and look decisive just before disappearing off on holiday?
