Blair backs down on key terror measure

LONDON - The British government backed down on a key counter-terrorist proposal today rather than risk its first defeat in parliament since 1997, just hours after one of Tony Blair's closest allies resigned.

Parliamentarians including members of Prime Minister Blair's Labour party had been poised to vote down a government plan to let police hold suspects for up to 90 days without charge.

But late in the debate Home Secretary Charles Clarke averted the defeat by saying he would launch a new round of cross-party talks to try and reach a compromise.

- REUTERS