THE Government has to be as tough as it possibly can to protect its people from terrorism - but it must also be fair.

Yet yesterday in this country there was much right-wing indignation - and we include Home Secretary David Blunkett under that umbrella - when three judges released an Algerian terrorist suspect from jail.

He had been held without trial or charge for more than two years. In that time his mental health had suffered so that he now believes he is possessed by evil spirits.

When he was held, it was suspected that he had links to a network connected to al Qaida. Once those suspicions were aroused, it is right that he was swept off the streets.

However, in the two years since his arrest, our security services have failed to back up those claims with evidence that would be admissible in court.

America's treatment of suspects in Guantanamo Bay has undermined its founding principles. If Britain is going to hold sick men in jail for years because of hunches and rumour and the colour of their skin, then we are reduced to the level of the unconverted, uncivilised countries, and our preaching about peace and justice is hollow.