'Home Office split boosts security'

Home Secretary John Reid believes splitting up his department will help security by allowing a greater focus on terrorism threats.

In May, the Home Office will be divided into two with responsibility for prisons, probation and judicial matters being hived off into a new ministry of justice.

Meanwhile, the Home Office will concentrate on immigration issues and counter terrorism - which Mr Reid said remains a struggle for "values and minds".

Addressing a counter terrorism conference in central London, Mr Reid said: "Scaring people does not produce security. We are led to value security through what our liberties enable us to appreciate."

"I don't need to remind you of al-Qaeda's declared aim to 'bleed us to bankruptcy' and I don't need to remind you of their call for attacks on the West's energy supplies which would have enormous, incalculable damage if they were able to be achieved.

"It is easy to appreciate the devastation of a physical attack and what it can bring but we must not underestimate the potentially devastating consequences of an electronic attack."

Mr Reid said splitting up the department "will provide that faster, brighter and more agile approach to the terrorist threat through a new drive, cohesion, and by providing a greater strategic capacity in our fight against terrorism."

Former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Woolf, said he is concerned at the speed of the changes and felt there has not been enough time for proper consultation.

He said: "We should work it out beforehand and not wait until we have created the change and then somehow or other try to scramble to get it into place."

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