The new powers — which have been applied in Northern Ireland — would allow police to stop and interrogate individuals about who they are, where they are coming from and where they intend to go.

The proposal is set to be part of a new antiterrorism bill being prepared by Home Secretary John Reid.

"We are considering a range of measures for the bill and 'stop and question' is one of them," said a Home Office spokesman.

Under present legislation, the police have the right to stop and search individuals on "reasonable grounds for suspicion" they have committed an offense but have no rights to ask for their identity and movements.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 2, 2007
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