Blair discusses new anti-terror laws

Tony Blair and Michael Howard

LONDON - Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with opposition leaders Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy to discuss how to strengthen anti-terror laws, after he urged the public to help catch the London bombers who failed in attacks last week.

Conservative leader Howard told reporters there was a strong desire to work together in such difficult times.

"It's important we approach these difficult issues in a spirit of consensus," he said.

Howard and Liberal Democrats leader Kennedy have called for "phone tap" evidence to be allowed in courts.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the talks had been "very constructive" and that all parties would keep in contact over the summer.

Police said on Monday two men had been arrested under anti-terrorism laws -- bringing the total in custody to five -- but warned they could not rule out another attack.

Police are still hunting for the four suspected bombers behind botched attacks on London's transport network on July 21 that have raised fears among residents that the city is now a firm target for Islamist militants. On July 7, suicide bombers killed 52 people on three underground railway trains and a bus.

"There will be people who know something. It is part of our duty in order to protect the country that people come forward and give the police the information that they can," Blair told reporters on Monday.

Armed police raided a housing estate in north London used by at least one of the suspected bombers, as police chiefs said they were racing against time to stop any further attacks by militants they link to al Qaeda. "

- REUTERS