Much more than 42 days

One thing which didn't get mentioned much in the debate today about 42 days is that there is currently an all party consensus in favour of detention without charge or trial for an unlimited period of time.

As Tim pointed out, there are many people in this country who have committed no crime, but have been detained for months or years just because they are asylum-seekers or migrants. There's clear evidence that this has causes immense suffering and mental health problems, and it affects thousands of people. far more than the numbers who will be affected even if tonight's stupid policy gets passed by the House of Lords. It's a cruel and vindictive policy with much less to justify it than detaining suspected terrorists.