Political squabble over new terror law escalates

A political war of words over a new terror law continues as the Opposition has slammed the Government for weakening a proposed new bill and not trusting the intelligence agencies.

It follows comments from Justice Minister Andrew Little, who last week hit out at the National Party for playing ‘‘jiggerypokery’’ with national security and ‘‘tearing down the citadel’’.

The Terrorism Suppression (Control Orders) Bill passed its first reading last week after it was initially stalled by a lack of support from the Opposition. The Green Party struck a deal late last week that it said would stop National ‘‘blackmailing’’ the Government.

The Greens negotiated that the law would recognise ‘‘dodgy convictions from overseas jurisdictions’’ and that deportations would not be accepted without scrutiny and ended the use of secret evidence without an advocate. This means the use of classified information would only occur with the protection of a judge, and the lawyer appointed to assist the accused person would have access to the information.

The bill would allow police to lock up ‘bumbling jihadi’ Mark Taylor on his return to New Zealand by giving the police the ability to apply to the High Court to impose control orders on New Zealanders who have been involved in terrorist activities overseas.

Yesterday, National’s justice spokesman, Mark Mitchell, said the changes reflected the Greens’ mistrust of New Zealand’s intelligence agencies and placed unnecessary hurdles in the way of ensuring New Zealanders’ safety.

The changes would weaken the hand of intelligence agencies and bog proposed suppression orders down in the courts, he said.

‘‘It will be a field day for activist lawyers and seriously risks New Zealanders’ safety.’’