I am not going to pass judgement on David Davis, the former Shadow Home Secretary, after his resignation over the 42-day detention period for terrorist suspects because of his principles. Whether he has done any long-term damage to the Conservative Party remains to be seen.

Gordon Brown thinks he has and will milk it for all it's worth, but his arrogant attitude and contempt for the people of this fine nation will always make the headlines.

I have heard that for each day suspects are held from the current 28 days up to 42 days, then freed without charge, they will receive three grand a day compensation.

If this is true, I wouldn't mind six weeks off work. I could do with 42 grand - after all, it is our money.

Joking apart, I think the police, if they have enough evidence to start with, should be allowed to hold a suspect for as long as necessary to build a case and charge that suspect.

Having said that, if these suspects are charged, go on trial and are found guilty, the punishment should suit the crime and any that aren't British nationals should be deported on release at once to their mother country, regardless of what's in store for them.

If they are wanted for naughties in their own country, that's their hard luck.

MICHAEL CLARKE Lewell Avenue Old Marston Oxford