Sweeping new powers to tackle the threat from international terrorism - which could go as far as extending internment without trial to UK citizens - will be demanded by Home Secretary David Blunkett this week.
It is understood Blunkett wants existing powers to detain foreign terror suspects without trial to be extended to all British subjects. The Draconian move could result in Britons who fall under suspicion spending years in jail without charges.
Another controversial proposal is for police to be given the right to detain anyone in the ?vicinity? of a suspected bioterrorist attack.
The new powers will be introduced as amendments to the already controversial Civil Contingencies Bill (CCB).
The bill - which gives the authorities new powers to deal with civil emergencies and terrorist attacks - already proposes giving police the right to impose no-go areas, destroy private property without compensation and ban peaceful protests.
But the expected Home Office list of amendments goes much further, opening up the prospect of internment without trial for British citizens.
A government source said last night: "A number of departments, including Health, have been advised of the plans to put down amendments to the bill. The issue of detention is something that will be covered by the amendments."
Civil rights groups believed they had fought off the most serious threats to human rights contained in the government?s original anti-terror proposals, presented last summer.
They believe Blunkett is making a second attempt to introduce the legislation he originally wanted in the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
The laws introduced since then have allowed 14 suspected international terrorists to be held in high security prisons under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act.
Most have been in prison for almost two years, although they have not been charged and no evidence against them has been put before the courts.
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