Secondly, if it is written by him, then he should check the facts before going to print.

There is still not a shred of evidence that a blanket extension from 28 to 42 days will either prevent or reduce terrorism.

I am yet to speak to anyone who disagrees with my view that, if the police have sufficient reason and evidence and can show a need to hold a suspect for more than 28 days, then why can't they submit their request on that case to a Judge who could scrutinise the evidence – on that particular case alone – and independently extend the detention by a maximum of two weeks if the evidence etc merits it.

I fully accept that the state has to protect its citizens but not at the cost of losing the general civil liberties of those very citizens.

Britain is becoming more like George Orwell's 1984 every day under this Labour Government. ID cards, blanket 42 day detention, and cameras watching your every move. Instead of wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers' money creating a 'Big Brother Britain' they should invest in giving the police the financial support they need to do an effective job.

It is ironic that in the same week Tom Levitt promotes 42 days of detention, the Derbyshire Police make a formal statement on the miserly funding they are receiving and the fact they are one of the most under-funded forces in the country. Even on Home Office figures, their budget is £6 million a year lower than it should be.

The result is that there is to be yet more rationalisation of the policing within the High Peak with the risk that possible gaps in service might emerge despite the police's best endeavours.

This Government, and Tom Levitt in particular, are long overdue in getting their priorities right. Instead of coming up with more and more grandiose schemes and unworkable legislation they should do what they are elected to do; serve the people.

Steve Sharp

Lib Dem

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

for High Peak