Asbo laws will keep tabs on terror suspects: Extremists to be given curfews and banned from meeting other fanatics

By TIM SHIPMAN and JAMES SLACK FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Updated: 18:41 EST, 6 January 2011

Anti-social behaviour laws will be used to keep tabs on terrorist suspects under plans to change controversial control orders.

Extremists considered a threat to national security will be hit with curfews and banned from meeting other fanatics using the legislation drawn up to combat teenage thugs.

The plans are at the heart of a regime to replace control orders, which Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has vowed to scrap.

Anti-social behaviour laws were drawn up to combat teenage thugs but will now be used to keep tabs on terrorist suspects

The new Asbo plans are at the heart of a regime to replace control orders, which Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has vowed to scrap

Eight terrorist suspects are currently subject to the orders – which critics compare to house arrest – with a combination of electronic tags, curfew of up to 16 hours a day and bans on internet or telephone use.

David Cameron has revealed that the orders will be axed to placate the Lib Dems and the European Court of Human Rights, which has ruled that they are illegal.

But security sources say important aspects will be retained, including electronic tags.

While curfews will be reduced, legislation for Antisocial Behaviour Orders will restrict where the suspects travel.

Discussions between No 10 and Mr Clegg remained deadlocked last night. A deal is expected to be announced next week.

Shadow Home Secretary Ed Balls said it will not be possible to keep the country safe if the control orders are scrapped.

But Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: ‘No one wants dangerous terror suspects loose in the community but that is what happens under control orders.’