Britain's emergency anti-terrorism legislation has become law after days of fierce debate.
Tough parliamentary contest had forced the British government to accept restrictions on some of the bill's powers. Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett announced the government's abandonment of one proposal and compromise on several others.
The final bill includes powers to lock up foreign terrorist suspects without trial. It has finished its passage through both houses and received the Queen's signature, making it law.
The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill was drawn up in response to the September 11th attacks. The government's large majority pushed it speedily through the House of Commons last week. Mr Blunkett had been determined to get the legislation through Parliament by Christmas.
But it hit opposition in the Lords, after opposition peers insisted the bill was too Draconian and infringed civil rights.
The government finally agreed to limiting new powers for the police and security services to look through confidential records. It also raised the status of the Special Immigration Appeal Commission that will hear appeals from detained terrorist suspects.
The government abandoned altogether the provision to create a new offence of incitement to religious hatred.
PA