Government almost defeated over Terror legislation

10.52.47am GMT Thu 3rd Nov 2005

Yesterday the Government narrowly avoided defeat on a part of its new Terror legislation by one vote - the lowest Government majority since Labour won in 1997. The closeness of the vote should lead to further concessions.

The vote which was won by 300 to 299 was on the issue of plans for a new offence of indirect incitement or glorification of terrorism. 33 Labour MP's joined with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in the opposition lobbies.

Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary has accepted that he will have to offer more concessions, particularly on the controversial extension to the detention time to ninety days. The Liberal Democrats have already said they will not accept anything over 28 days.