The police say they need more flexibility over the 28-day limit.

The 28-day limit on holding terror suspects without charge is likely to be doubled by the government.

Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said the government wanted to extend the limit, "probably" to 56 days.

Security Minister Lord West said "about 50" was the figure being talked about - but said safeguards would have to be in place to win over critics.

But veteran Labour MP David Winnick accused the government of "trying to find a number out of a hat".

It is thought the government will make an attempt to extend the current 28-day limit in the Counter Terrorism Bill to be announced in the Queen's Speech on Tuesday.