Opposition proposals for an increase in the use of phone taps and other intercept evidence in court are still under discussion. The Government has expressed reservation because of police concerns that it would compromise their sources.
Michael Howard, leader of the Conservative party, and Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also expressed concern over a proposal to extend the period of pre-charge detention from 14 days to three months.
"We see considerable difficulties in this,” said Michael Howard, after the meeting. “That is a long time to hold someone without charge and possibly just release them after that. This is being looked at by the Prime Minister and no doubt the Government will come forward with their proposals."
Charles Kennedy said he believes the new laws will be "measured," adding that his party wants to make sure "that we don't surrender basic civil liberties in the process."
The extension of the pre-charge detention period was one of several measures requested in a wish-list from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), published last Thursday.
Among ACPO's other suggestions, some of which were discussed at yesterday's meeting, was a call for a new offence of not disclosing encryption keys, to ensure law enforcement can access to encrypted files stored on a computer.
Part 3 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) already includes a power which allows certain authorities to force the disclosure of information that is stored in an encrypted form and it can force the disclosure of the encryption key itself – but there are conditions.
This part of RIPA has never been brought into force. Even so, ACPO appears to consider it insufficient. ACPO reported that, "recent investigations have been made more complex by difficulties for investigating officers in ascertaining whereabouts of encryption keys to access computers etc."
It called for "an amendment to Part 3" of RIPA to make it an offence to fail to disclose a key, to "provide some sanction against suspects failing to cooperate with investigations." There is no elaboration on the nature of the desired amendment. Part 3 already creates an offence of failing to comply with an order for a key; it's just not in force at this time.
ACPO also reported that: "The creation of an offence to suppress inappropriate internet usage is necessary in respect of today’s global communication capability."
It noted that this preventative measure may well be catered for within the proposed new offence of acts preparatory to terrorism – an offence that found consensus at yesterday's meeting.
It also wants "powers to attack identified websites," which ACPO says has significant benefits for counter terrorism and "overlaps with other police priorities namely domestic extremism and paedophilia/child pornography."
ACPO notes: "This issue goes beyond national borders and requires significant international cooperation. The need for appropriate authority and warrantry is implicit."
The party leaders' views on most of ACPO's proposals remain unknown. But Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed after yesterday's meeting that legislation is being drafted and that the three party leaders will meet again in September, at which time he hopes the Government will be in a position to put forward "firm proposals".
"I am very pleased that the cross-party consensus on the way forward is continuing,” he said. “I think when the main political parties present a united front then you send an important signal to the terrorists of our strength, our determination, our unity to defeat them."