New powers for UK ministers

BRITISH Government ministers are to be given major new powers to deal with terrorist attacks and other civil emergencies under legislation published yesterday.

The Civil Contingencies Bill, drawn up in response to the September 11 attacks on the USA, effectively gives ministers the power to by-pass Parliament and issue urgent orders in the event of an emergency.

These could include measures to bar public access to sensitive sites, evacuate danger areas, deploy troops, requisition property, ban public gatherings or set up a special court to deal with a disaster.