A group of British Labour backbenchers are set to defy their government and register a protest vote against its controversial anti-terror plans.
The MPs' concerns about the Terrorism Bill, which is due to get its second reading in the House of Commons tonight, centre on a measure that would allow the police to hold terror suspects for up to 90 days without charge. Home Secretary Charles Clarke will open the debate.
Tony Blair faces a backbench revolt over proposed terrorism laws
MPs are also anxious about a proposal to make glorifying or indirectly encouraging terrorism an offence carrying up to seven years' imprisonment.
Lawyers and other critics have warned that the offence would be difficult to use and disproportionate in its effects.
Despite having reservations over 90 days detention and indirect incitement, the Conservatives support the Bill in principle and will vote to give it its second reading.
They hope to resolve their differences with the government by the time the Bill comes up for its third reading.
The Liberal Democrats will vote against the Bill, and are tabling an amendment expressing their "extreme concern" over the 90-days proposal. They will be joined by a number of Labour rebels.
Bob Marshall-Andrews, the Labour MP for Medway, has confirmed that he will vote against the Bill, and estimated that in total up to 20 Labour MPs might defy the Government.
Mr Marshall-Andrews said: "I would anticipate many more when we get into the detail of glorifying terrorism and the 90-day rule."
Earlier this week, British Home Secretary Charles Clark suggested he was prepared to compromise on the 90-day detention plan, indicating that it is likely that the Bill will be amended so that the judge overseeing the powers would be more senior than a district judge - his original proposal.
PA