Cameron open to Davis' return

Tory leader David Cameron has left open a possible return to the frontbenches for David Davis.

The former shadow home secretary quit as an MP to force a by-election over Government plans to hold terror suspects for 42 days without charge.

Mr Davis, who is not being opposed by the other main parties in the July 10 election, has said he thought the decision spelled the end of his frontbench career.

Speaking at his monthly press conference, Mr Cameron said there had been an "honest disagreement" over the tactic but no dispute over the party's opposition to 42 days.

"My message to the people of Haltemprice and Howden would be: you've got an excellent MP; he is a big beast in the Tory jungle and he deserves to be a big part of the Conservative Party.

"Obviously, if he is successful in returning to Parliament then we can talk about what the future might hold."

He said: "I do not know particularly how the campaign is going but I am sure he will fight a very vigorous campaign.

"Of course I will go and appear if that helps, but this is not a central office campaign. We have to focus on the priorities we have set.

"In the next couple of weeks I will be going up. I have got a very packed week this week but I have a date pencilled in, in my mind at least."

The statement came as Mr Davis issued a challenge to Cabinet ministers to engage in a public debate with him over the 42-day issue after Downing Street denied issuing a gag order.

In a letter to every Cabinet minister, he wrote: "It has become apparent over the last few days from broadcasting companies attempting to set up televised debates, on 42 days pre-charge detention and the wider erosion of British liberty, that the Government has gagged ministers from participating in any such event.

"Since the government denies imposing any such ban on ministers, I hereby invite you to engage in a debate with me on this vital national issue.

"I challenge you to defend the appalling record of your government - including its draconian terrorism powers, ID cards, the disproportionate and ineffective deployment of CCTV, the arbitrary retention of DNA on a million innocent citizens and the stifling of free speech.

"If you have the courage of your convictions, I will make myself available to debate you - any time, anywhere - over the course of this by-election campaign."

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