Ex-watchdog: Axe of tough controls ‘a grave mistake’

A FORMER terror watchdog has blasted the decision by ministers to axe control orders on terror suspects as a “grave mistake”. Lord Carlile said their sweeping powers “may have saved dozens of lives”. The controversial orders forced suspects to move and limit use of phones and computers. In 2012 less harsh terrorism prevention and investigation measures replaced them. But the ex-lib Dem peer, whose role was to review terror laws, said if 30 people were on “Tpims plus” – involving relocation, curfew and internet restrictions – we would be safer. He added: “I believe the people with the sort of history of the Manchester perpetrator would be more likely then to be restricted and therefore less likely to act.” He said 53 people had been subject to control orders. Seven are currently on Tpims. Home Secretary Amber Rudd was forced to deny police cuts contributed to the bombing. Challenged on BBC One Question Time about 20,000 fewer officers, she said: “I don’t accept that,” and said resources were not a factor.