...the question of whether we should extend the current limit on the detention of terrorist suspects prior to charge has given rise to considerable debate. On one side the police have made the case that in their professional judgement it is likely that, at some point in the near future, the situation will arise in a small number of exceptional cases where there will be a need to hold terrorist suspects for more than the current limit of 28 days. The independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Lord Carlile of Berriew, has confirmed he shares this judgement. On the other side, concerns have been expressed by community groups and others that there has not yet been any firm evidence to support an extension to pre-charge detention and that any moves to do so could have a detrimental effect on community support for anti-terrorism legislation.