Blair heads for party clashes

BRITISH Prime Minister Tony Blair set himself up yesterday for high-risk clashes with his party, refusing to compromise on future reforms despite a first parliamentary defeat that raised doubts about his ability to govern.

Forty-nine MPs in Mr Blair’s Labour Party rebelled on Wednesday against plans to let police hold terrorist suspects for up to 90 days without charge.

Cabinet colleagues rallied round Mr Blair. Home Secretary Charles Clarke accepted personal responsibility for failing to persuade the House of Commons to endorse the proposal.

Defence Secretary John Reid denied the vote undermined Mr Blair’s authority or made it more difficult for him to push through his broader policy agenda.

Chancellor Gordon Brown declared his “full support” for Mr Blair.

At yesterday morning’s Cabinet meeting, Mr Blair said there was a “worrying gap” between MPs who rejected the plan and the reality of the terrorist threat.

Conservative leader Michael Howard called for Mr Blair to quit, saying his authority was spent.

Mr Blair said there would be no watering down of plans to reform schools, hospitals and the incapacity benefits system before crucial votes in the New Year.

He had sought new police powers after suicide bombers killed 52 people in London on July 7. Police said they needed more time to hold suspects to allow them collect evidence in complicated terrorism cases.

Civil rights groups said the change from the current 14 days would erode freedoms and drive people toward extremist groups.