Control orders for terrorist suspects will continue despite warnings the system could create "Guantanamo-style martyrs".

Conservative MPs voted to extend the controversial orders - which place suspected extremists under house arrest without trial - "with a considerable degree of reluctance".

The Government introduced control orders in 2005 on the condition that they would lapse after a year unless renewed by both the Commons and the Lords.

MPs endorsed an extension of the legislation to March next year by 267 votes to 60 after Security Minister Tony McNulty told them: "The threat (of terrorism) is clearly real, serious and represents a threat unparalleled in our country's history."

The Tories' shadow attorney general Dominic Grieve said: "On balance, and with a considerable degree of reluctance, our view is we should allow renewal to take place this year."

The Government revealed that 15 suspects are currently subject to control orders and a total of 31 orders have been approved since 2005.

Seven of the 15 have been in that position for more than two years and two have subject to orders for almost three years, it emerged.

Labour's Andrew Dismore, chairman of the joint Human Rights Committee, warned the orders could create "Guantanamo-style martyrs" unless a maximum time limit is imposed.

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