how very refreshing......at last a politician I could vote for....regardless of his party. I believe, if he was party leader, there would be no contest in the future elections but David Cameron....ha. Too fickle and weak and without honest principles.He will say whatever sounds popular to his party

david , lancaster, uk

I believe that the terror threat is a lie. I am against so called anti-terror legislation on this basis. We're dealing with our own enslavement so it's probably worth a spot of research before forming an opinion on this. To say you heard it on the news just ain't good enough.

jim coley, felixtowe,

i'm just ashamed that as a life-long Labour supporter, that none of them even thought of standing down on principal.

the way that 28 days was rushed though made me ashamed to be British!

cas, cornwall, uk

Davis will probably be Home Secretary in two years anyway, in which case he will be in a position to change the law on detention without trial. His actions havent been thought through and i believe he may have a hidden agenda concerning the tory leadership - he is a very ambitious politician!

Stuart H, London,

Chazza in an ideal world I would agree with you but I cannot, honestly say that I trust this government after so much spin, doctoring/enhancing of facts including lies to take us into a war. Couple that with the ploughing ahead of ideas that the public have objected against...democracy?You tell me

Ben, Peel,

Fight, fight, and fight again for the right not to put terrorists in prison!

James B, London,

Democracy in The UK has been destroyed by the ex communist leaning Gordon Brown and his left wing colleagues.
We have without any vote been flooed with immigrants.We have become the most watched society on the planet.
David Davis is right to make a stand,it is a pity more British people don't .

James Currie, Marbella, Spain

I can't help feeling Davis was still piqued at having to answer to a young kid off the block who is so different to him in the sense of not standing on principle.

Ted, Rome, Italy

Problem is some idiot will inevitably stand against him. Some journalist who writes with a rabid pen will crow and bay at the hustings. It will be designed to make him look like a fool, and it will be reported as such. The man is a serious threat to the ambitions of those who crave real power.

Douglas Miller, Fulham,

Thank god for David Davies. At last, a politician of principle who is willing to take a stand to stop this country`s slide into a police state.
I see a future Prime Minister here..

Stuart Andrews, Glasgow, Scotland

Is David Davis going through some kind of mid-life crisis? Hasn't he just thrown away his only chance of making the differences he wants to make??

Nick, Midlands,

What an extraordinary man David Davis is. Here is a man who is prepared to stand up and make himself counted. I hope he stands for re-election again because he will undoubtedly win the seat and at the same time reinforce his status.
A budding Prime Minister - just the sort of man we need.

Weaver, Hong Kong,

Well done Mr Davis. At last, a man amongst the sheople who is prepared to stand up for for the freedom from tyranny.

Edwin, Bucharest,

A single voice of principle stands above the mediocrity that is British Political Life in the 21st Century. Congratulations Mr Davies
for giving the British people some small hope that the freedoms that have cost us dear as a nation are not yet lost. Let us not give in to fear and loose our freedom.

Gordon Stuart Anthony Sinclair, Blackpool , England

The conservative blog may indicate minority support but the time blog appears to indicate otherwise.........has he struck a chord I wonder?

shaun, somerset, uk

Lets support someone who is prepared to put there neck on the line

j, petersfield,

Mr Davis for Leader of the Tories (and future PM).
Only now have we seen Mr Cameron's true stance, (Labour lite) will he repeal these heinous laws? I doubt it.
Another mass of votes (unfortunately) from the Tories to minority party's, ah well Labour will win a 4th victory. Thanks Mr C.

Howard , Basildon, England

We are heading into a police state the powers that be are putting these ledgislations in place(terrorism act)to keep the people in control,not for uor safety, as the big date comes closer (21/12/2012).Google this date to find out more its very intresting.Ingnorance is their weapon, knowledge is ours

Brian Food, London,

Even if this appears pointless it brings unwelcome attention over the next few weeks to Gordons police state under construction, which will perhaps slow it down enough to get him out before he can do more damage.

am, letchworth,

The comments here display that the UK population want politicians of integrity unlike Brown and Blair. Excellent DD hat off to you...

Austin Tassletine, Bristol, UK

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me.

Austin Tassletine, Bristol, UK

So the fight against terrorism means we lose more and more of our right to privacy and freedom - shouldn't it be the other way round? What's our gain? Seems we are losing all ways!
I feel David Davis took this action purely out of principle and frustration that our rights are being slowly eroded.

Pete, Bristol,

brown did get this one spot on the terrorists should be held if they are suspect as long as it takes . they get to much freedom now to plan .

chazza, coventry, england

The current government seems determined to distort and undermine the fundamental relationship between the citizen and the state. The UK is becoming something of which I'm really quite ashamed now. If David Davis can help before we have to take to the streets then good on him and stuff the cost.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

here we go -- DD comedy show!!

SG, reading, UK

Thank goodness for at least one politician with the integrity to stand up for the principal of freedom. 42 days detention does not make us one jot safer in our beds, it merely puts another nail into the coffin of democracy. After voting Labour for 30 years I would vote for Mr Davis, no hesitation..

Neil, Stafford, UK

A Member of Parliament with principles. Wonderful, but sadly last of a dying breed.

HC, London,

I am 100% behind Mr Davis.

Anthony, London, UK

Congratulaions DD. It is absolutely time this issue was propely debated by the public. Just look at the reader reaction to Ms Cavendish's article in the Times today. The thinking population is angered and disturbed by the trends.

William Thomson, Manila, Philippines

At last a real Conservative not a Cameron social democrat.

After the sleaze of many, and the idling in the comfort zone of massive expenses that are not checked by anyone by most, one MP has stood up and said "lets ask the elecorate what they want".

Good luck to you DD

John, Waterlooville, UK

Gordon Brown could have been out of a job this week, very easily.

Instead, he has just a little bit of hope now that those old Tory divisions may come back to haunt Mr Cameron.

M, London, UK

'It's just a publicity stunt' says NuLabour.
NuLabour rule has been one long publicity stunt and little else.
This is about principal, something the labour party gave up years ago (just look at yesterday's horse trading) No wonder it hates what it sees and seeks to denigrate it and the man behind it

Douglas Maxwell, Richmond, Yorkshire

Hear hear, David Davies!

Lynda, Edinburgh,

What a stupid publicity stunt - this will cost the tax payer money. David Davis should be made to pay for this complete waste of time.

J Blakely, Lancashire, UK

Is it really a principled stance when the tax payer has to foot the bill for the by-election? Typical Tory principle -someone else has to foot the bill.

Will the Tories repeal the Bill if they get into power?
No chance.

He knows he'll get his job back anyway. An empty gesture at our expense.

Andrew Mac, Inverness,

David Davis has been willing to fight a by election he couldnt possibly lose to make a point that's already been lost.

The 42 day law was passed last night by a parliamentary majority, that's democracy. What is not democratic is denying H&H Lib Dems the chance to vote for their party.

Toby Perkins, Chesterfield,

At last a politician willingly to stand up and let the public decide

Mike, Gravesend, England

As a sort of Tory I would like to see Davis replace Cameron, but don't think this is the way to go about it, as I think Brown is right on this, and right is what the Tory party always was, but not anymore.

Marty, London,

Cometh the hour, cometh the man
The man is right !! so lets all support him.

Adam, gloucester, uk

What a shame that a proper policy maker with real values has been lost to the tory party. Cameron will win the election with very little doubt, but Davis would have too and I believe without doubt that Davis would have been the better PM.

Chris, Guildford, UK

I only wish he was running in my riding so that I could cast my vote for him.

Michael Moloney, Macclesfield, UK

Congratulations David Davis!!!!

Someone with some conviction trying to put a stop to this Government's errosion of our rights.

My blood hit boiling then beyond last night at yet another nail in the coffin of this so called democratic nation, with politicians selling their votes for favours.

martin, Bridgwater,

If we let government remove our civil liberties to combat terrorism then the terrorists win. The introduction of ID cards is particulary ridiculous since individuals determined to circumvent the restrictions imposed by these cards will almost certainly find a way.

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

Well done Mr Davis. Someone with principles and guts at last!

What a pity the Tory blue rinse brigade chose Chameleon and his oh so Blair guff and his old Etonian establishment friends.

Set up your own party - call it New Conservative and you will win a landslide.

The very best of luck

Rob Green, Braintree, Essex

At long last - someone is prepared to 'really' stand up and be counted. Let us hope that it is the beginning of a long line of others waiting to do the same.
Policy driven or not it is admirable that a person of vision is ready to stake all on something he recognises as abhorently wrong.

Viv Hill, Elgin, Scotland

How few of our politicians are prepared to put their money where their mouths are. David Davis is an example to us all. If all Tory MPs did the same thing, perhaps we'd have a well-deserved change of government.

leila, manchester, uk

I have not voted for anyone in 11 years. Why? Because none of these duplicitous, self-serving, 'career' politicians can be trusted with our liberty.

Davis has risked all in a simple act of political & personal integrity. His fellow MP's might like to look the word up in a dictionary.

Mark Burkes, Birmingham, UK

I applaud David Davis. Finally a politician shows some back bone and stands up for the principles that really do matter.

Sam, London,

I hate to say it but DD has done what is right. He has drawn attention to something that people just don't seem to care about. British freedom is being stripped away.
If we don't do something now people will look back in years to come and know that we were complacent contemptuous fools.

Matthew, Cardiff,

To Michael of London - clearly you dont feel that civil liberties are an important quality of life. I think it's unique in this day and age that someone is willing to resign over such a fundamental right. John Major's recent comments said it all.

Denise Denovan-Jones, Isle of Man,

The power of the executive to cast a man into prison without formulating any charge known to the law, & particularly to deny him the judgment of his peers, is in the highest degree odious, & the foundation of all totalitarian government whether Nazi or Communist. - Winston Churchill

Well done DD.

Jake, London, UK

Total Government control of the population is the worst case scenario of both 28 and 42 days detention under the POT Act. You need only look at how Local Councils are abusing the RIPA to spy on ordinary citizens, to see that it is a small step away from being locked up for 42 days without trial!!.

pip, Croydon, uk

Brown is a soldier in a tiny army of global elites seeking a world govt. The loss of liberties in Britain is also occurring in the United States. It is a global strategy of dominance by these elites. Bildeberg? The Illuminati. Whatever you call them, they're nutcases and they must be stopped. NOW!

gary, Vermont, USA

To Gerrard.
The bill may initially fail at the HoL, but it will eventually be forced through by a 'guillotine motion' or under one of the Parliament Acts. Brown hasn't expended all this energy and goodwill to be defeated by the Lords.

pw, sutton, uk

There are other "principles" to consider besides Davies..................Rather than erode our freedom the government is justifyably taking steps to promote freedom,freedom from the distict possibility of denegerate evil types who kill at a whim toddling off prior to an in depth investigation.

Eric, Southwick, England

The 42 days imprisonment, for innocent people is stupid. Davis is absolutely right. If the government is willing to arrest innocent people for 42 days at 3.000 pounda a day over 42 days it is 126.000 pounds. If they arrest 5 people in a week it is 630.000 of tax payers money.

daphne kenward, Cambridge, UK

What I don't understand Gordon is that considering we have the longest detention without trial in Europe, the highest prison population per capita in Europe and the most CCTV per capita in the World (!) then why is the UK becoming such a crime ridden hell hole with stabbings, bombings etc ??

Ashley, Plymouth, UK

I agree that this is probably policy-driven. On the other hand, DD is absolutely right in what he says; the Government is slowly chipping away at each and every one of our civil liberties, using the politics of fear to justify undermining liberties once fiercely defended. Disgusting.

Olivia , London, England

Wake up Britain! As we slip into a politically correct Orwellian society our freedoms are gradually being eroded by the State. David Davis has shown guts to stand up for principle & conviction. I like many other decent free thinking people would be willing to campaign with him on this issue.

Steve Marchant, Broadhempston, UK

To those whining over the cost- lets put it like this: your tax is being spent on expensive new inner city schools which the kids won't turn up to/the war in Iraq started because of weapons which didn't exist/I could go on.And my money is being spent on a very important issue of principle. Happy?!

Emma, London,

Good on you Mr Davis!

Although one must wonder how his views or stance would be different to that of the Conservatives?

I couldn't help but laugh at claims by labour MPs saying the Tories are in "disarray". They have no idea what is coming to them in the next general election.

Chris, Cambridge,

To those claiming this is going against parliamentary democracy and will cost money.

The opponents to the bill didn’t have anything to bribe people with, so hardly a level playing field. As for the cost of a by-election; it’s infinitesimal compared to concessions dished out by Brown.

Jonathan, Oxfordshire, England

I'm mildly impressed. But, I'd be more impressed if he split away from the Conservative party and stood as either an independent candidate, or formed a new political party. I'd vote for you David!

George Owens, Bracknell, UK

Cometh the hour, cometh the man - well done, David Davis.

Let's have a few more politicians who are willing to risk being kicked off the gravy train on a matter of principle.

Bill Hilton, Bangor, UK

It's a pity a leading Labour MP or Minister who opposes the 42 day rule does not demonstrate thier concerns in a similar fashion. Stunt or not it's the principle that counts!!.

pete, birmingham, uk

The vote of majority in the House was bought and the Government would have lost. The cost? More borrowings and at the expense of the taxpayers, to be paid through more intrusion into our lives.

SH, Leeds,

As the Lib Dems are not opposing him at this by-election, and Labour will probably be bankrupt before the by-election, in all seriousness what chance is there of him loosing this seat anyway? Whilst he may have principles (and I admire him for his stand) it seems a pointless exercise overall.

Graham, Bradford, West Yorks

At long last the sort of lead we've been waiting for to confront this utterly dreadful government. Everyone who appreciates the notion of liberty should support him actively. For those who think this is being soft on terrorism - it isn't!

Francesca M., London, U.K.

Mr Davis should be congratulated on his speech in the commons yesterday- truly inspiring .I dont think that it is he that should be resigning.He stood up to protect our civil liberties we have known and been guided by for so long .He is the Home Secretary we really need.

judith, Leatherhead, uk

democracy the vote was taken in the house and Labour won .Enogh said.Defeat this man at the by-election and restore democracy.

denis , cardiff, glamorgan

Al Weybrige - Get a life mate!
Brown has just bribed all and sundry to force this appalling bill through government to boost his ego whilst the economy is going to hell in a handbasket. P R I N C I P A L is what has triggered this resignation I doubt Brown even knows the meaning of the word.

Philip, Ipswich,

This whole episode shows socialist labour in its true colours - the enemies of freedom and democracy.

Peter, London,

How funny to have a Tory MP standing seriously on civil liberties. Is this the same Tory party who once had a Home Secretary named Michael Howard?

Michael B, Weston-super-Mare,

There is a great deal of risk in what he has done - most people who take such risks have big egos, but that doesn't make the act any less brave. I wish him well and am grateful that someone is taking such a stand against the parasitical, controlling and suffocating 'Ivy State' created by New Labour.

Victoria, London, UK

A Conservative , a Gentleman and also a Member of Parliament. The one and only David Davies.

Patrick Ratnaraja, Croydon, UK

Now perhaps Cameron will appoint a proper Shadow Home Secretary.

alan, warks, uk

Good man - I urge everyone to support him

Edward Green, Upminster,

The Conservatives are riding high so you would expect an increased majority. It is a strange by-election so many people probably won't vote.

He will win, possibly with a reduced majority because of the reduced turnout. What does that prove?

The man's a fool.

Tom, London,

I count myself a Tory and agree this government has been eroding our freedoms But what a waste of public money. I'm not sure what Davis' existing majority is but clearly with the polls as they are there must be very little chance of his being defeated in any case, making the whole thing a farce.

Guy, London,

What possible aim is this going to achive apart from attempting to continue the story on this pseudo-moral crusade? Davis represents a very safe seat, he won it by over 10%!

The Conservatives never properly cared about civil liberties, they are just using this issue to beat Brown with.

C. O'Brien, Hornchurch, UK

I thought Labour was claiming public backing for its new law? Although of course it ignored public opinion about a European referendum. If they are so sure that the public backs them then fight this by election. Why is Brown so afraid of true public opinion where it counts, at the ballot box?

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

Given that the bill will probably be defeated in the Lords, this is rather a strange thing to resign over. In any event, the magna carta was already under threat with the 28 day limit for detention without trial. I suspect that there is rather more to this than meets the eye.

Gerard, London, England

Clever how Labour disarmed the population before taking away our liberty.
Well when the day comes I'm hoping the British Army Generals will be there when we need them.

Phill, The Wirral, England

The single issue should be

Does the electorate consider that terrorist suspects, those likely to become suicide killers, should have the same civil liberties as the populace as a whole?

The proposed legislation deals with suspects where PROOF is still not established after a month of questioning

Peter, Saumur, France

Over the last few years I have watched in horror as the civil liberties in this country slowly but inexorably slip away.
I am no namby pamby libertarian, but feel this governments actions are extremely dangerous. I applaud Mr Davis's actions regardless of whether or not e feels he will be re-elected

Graham, Manchester, UK

I have mixed feelings on this subject.
Freedom is a subjective word,and there are pluses
and minuses on the 42 days issue.
The world is a dangerous place and there will be times when 42 days will be of benefit and times when it will prove to be inappropriate.
Voters;think long and hard!

nic, paphos, cyprus

I am originally from this constituency but moved away, i wish I hadnt so I could vote.

We need a constitution to protect our basic rights.

Well done David I have no doubt that he will win in convincing fashion.

It may appear like a stunt but what other option does he have?

stuart, edinburgh, scotland

This isn't just another 'single issue'. It's THE issue: Who is in charge of our country? Is it the free citizens or a creeping bunch of shadowy figures?

Yes, it's New Labour's Big Brother mind control approach. They know what's best for you.

No they don't. Stroll on, David Davis!

joe, Berwickshire, Scotland

An act of principle, bravery or vanity? a touch of the former, little of the one in the middle with lashings of the latter. O how I would laugh if Labour also declined to fight the election so he is head to ehad with the other cranks.

Peter, Tiverton, UK

What a gent, at last someone with the courage to stand up for their convictions, shame more MP's can't do the same, especially those on the Labour back benches who seem to have had an invitation to an 'all you can eat trough' of personal projects to get this through. Shameful!!

Nigel, London,

An MP with honour. I'm amazed.

Philip Barnes, Preston, england

As a Liberal, I urge everyone to contact David Davis and help him win a landslide. We need a huge turn out and huge vote for him.

We need to show all MPs including Gordon and David that enough is enough.

Our parent and grandparent fought for our freedom and we must now defend it.

JC, London, UK

Clearly Mr Davis does not believe that the vote of a majority in the House should decide such issues as this. Does this mean that he is not a democrat, or is he just a poor loser. Hopefully, none of the major parties will oppose him and he will only get to debate with the likes of UKIP etc.

Al, Weybridge, UQ

A stunt. Blatantly obvious. Just wants to get another big Tory win and put more pressure on Brown. He and Cameron are in this together. But watch out, the majority of the public wanted this law, according to the polls.
And David (Dubai). You don't pay for it in your little haven, leave it to us.

Mark, Birmingham,

My goodness what is English politics coming too; we have various examples of the porcine nature of MP's, now we have man of priniple....shame he appears to be the only one!

Mike Rutter, Marske by the Sea,

Yes, and for someone who complains about the waste of public money, how much will this cost and to achieve what? If all MP's did the same on other issues the costs would be enormous. His job was to fight this as the MP he was until today.

John Charlesworth, Sleaford , UK

Good for you David. It's rare to come across a politician with principles.

James, London,

Very smart political move which the media will undoubtedly make a big deal of; only Haltemprice and Howden is overwhelmingly Conservative so Mr Davis will win the by by-election regardless of what platform he's standing on as, long as he's running under the Conservative banner

Dave Robinson, London,

A principled MP! Everyone should vote for him, whichever party they normally support. Davis highlights the erosion of personal freedoms and 42 day detentions is clearly the final straw for him. Sadly the great mass of people do not care about these issues - and won't until it is too late.

J Davis, Kingston, UK

I admire Mr Davis for his honorable stance

Unfortunately I'm certain he has picked the wrong horse here. The public simply don't care whether 'suspected terrorists' are locked up for a week, a month or even a year

He's spot on about 'Big Brother' Government, which is shameful. Just not THIS issue

David, St Albans, UK

Mr Davis is to stand as a Conservative. The Conservatives came very close to defeating Labour on this matter of principle so I would argue that this is not the reason.

The By-election will keep the pressure on Labour over the summer and attack their uber-control politics.

John, Hull, GBR

Excellent speech outside the commons laying out his reasons. I agree with him 100%.

Good luck to him. To say his actions hurt the Conservatives is insane, typical of the BBC.

At least one MP will stand up and be counted.

Steve, Sherborne, England

At long last! An MP with more than an ounce of integrity. If there is any justice in this over-governed and oppressed land, the voters in his constituency will turn out en masse to return him to the Commons, as a beacon against the encroaching darkness.

Ian Dickson, Brighton, UK

Such a pity that he can't do this within the current parliamentary system. Good luck!

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Fantastic! What a stand! Not a Tory voter, I am totally inspired by this - I really hope his constituency return him.

Alison, London,

A very brave decision and, at last, the electorate will have a voice on the systematic erosion of our liberties.

Philip , London ,

If he starts a party I'll vote for him

Olaf, Dundee,

A politician and man of honour, a rare combination. A potential prime minister.

Angus MacWillson, Chelmsford, Essex

Well done that man...A Tory with some backbone at last. Watch out Dave, he's after you!

Keith, Grantham,

Maybe every MP wil now resign and refight their seat each time a law is passed that they dont agree with.

If they vote you back Mr Davis it is because they think you are the best person to be their MP. An MP is not elected on one single issue. A point you should be reminding yourself.

Rob, EPSOM, Surrey

Absolutely amazing, a politician that really cares about what makes this such a great country. I, for one, will be donating as much as I can afford to his campaign.

andrew, London, UK

He's hardly going to help stop the government by doing this?!

john, london,

Go Davis!!

Emily, London,

Hats off to David Davis ! This Labour government is turning our country into a police state with all of its pernicious laws and pettifogging regulations. Living in Britain today is like being in communist East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. We should support Mr. Davis in this protest.

R.M., London, England

Good for him. At last a man of principle.

John, Lincoln,

legend!

John Well, Haltemprice,

Thank goodness there are still some men of priciples in the House. This dramatic erosion of our rights (already eroded by Blair's 28 days which in itself was a scandal) must be overturned. How dare Brown and his feeble band of ministers visit this contitutional abomination on us. Out!

John, London, UK

Good grief. What a trivially unimportant issue to resign over: he's not even in government. This man is completely out of touch.

Michael, London, UK

How can he fight on a single issue when the Conservative party has a huge lead in the polls. When he wins he will claim vindication of his position when really the electorate is giving Gordon Brown a HUGE kick in the privates.

And who pays for all this.

David, Dubai, UAE

Well done David Davis! At last a politician is prepared to make the ultimate political decision on a matter of principal. Good luck to him and his attempts to preserve our freedoms, which this Labour Government has so insidiously eroded over the last 10 years.

Stephen Bacon, Cambridge, UK

Clearly Mr Davis is passionate about this issue, more importantly the wider issue of the amount of control and the frequency in which the state is interfering with peoples rights and freedoms. Society is in real danger of becoming close to a police state. Well done for making a stand.

Richard , Richmond, Surrey., UK