Firstly, let me say I am totally opposed to extending the period of detention without charge to 42 days - in fact the current period of 28 days is indefensible in a democracy, despite the undoubted threats we face. As Benjamin Franklin said "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - which sums it up very neatly.

But, tactically our leader's insistence upon pursuing this policy in the teeth of the opposition of parliament look as though it will either:
a) inflict unnecessary and illiberal legislation upon us,
or, more likely
b) inflict a further humiliating defeat upon the government.

David Cameron was able to attack Gordon Brown in the House on Thursday, accusing him of posturing in appearing "tough on terror." Cameron's views echo a YouGov poll published by Liberty back in March which found that "54 percent of people believe the Government’s motivation for the proposals is to “look tough on terror.”"  It was a dismal experience indeed having to agree with Cameron, for all his seeming vacuity and opportunism.

Our leaders have only a short-time to find a face-saving way out of this potential calamity. At the moment they run the presentational risk of enjoying the worst of all worlds - appearing both illiberal and weak at the same time.

Please think again Prime Minister.