It is a day for about turns. First, the Pope has taken a historic decision to approve
the use of condoms to fight AIDS; second, Labour has vowed to change its position on terror legislation and law and order. The party feels its record in government has damaged its reputation as a
guarantor of liberty. Generation Ed wants to make another break from the past.
Ed Balls has masterminded a cunning sleight of hand. The proposal is nowhere near as dramatic as headlines suggest. Labour will support the government’s proposed reduction of detention periods from 28 days to 14, provided the police and security services are not impeded by the change. Balls also indicated that he could support the abolition of control orders if an alternative was found. These are difficult issues and the security services are not afraid to cry wolf – that is, after all, their job. In
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