Jason, Staines: "I could'nt give a monkeys if supected terrorists are held for years, just like in other countries."

Of course you couldn't because you don't believe you will be one of them and you don't care about the other innocent people who might be caught up in this. Some of us do, however.

David Jones, Loughborough, UK

Its a bit rich Nicholas Soames saying that David Davis has let his party down and that "politics is at all times a team game" he should remember his grandfather who stood outside and challenged his party, then became leader.

More power to David just wish I could yote for him.

keith warden, leamington spa, england

This is a government that has divided up the country leaving England out in the cold, presided over unlimited credit, bringing about the credit crunch, exercised more control over peoples liberties than any administration since Stafford Crips, and Harriot Harmon is proud of the nanny state.

Carlene Lee, Kettering , Northants.

Davis is right. Why won't Labour supporters acknowledge the hypocrisy of their authoritarianism when in power vs. their vaunted liberalism over so many years. Is this the unique species of self-delusion the Left practises (the Left are always the Good Guys whatever) or are they proudly New Tory?

Simon Stacey, Birmingham, UK

One Tory fewer is one small victory for civilisation.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Power to David Davis having the courage of his convictions,why are the other parties afraid of democracy? we were deprived of a general election last year ( Brown & Bottle come to mind) the Irish are doing our bidding over Europe, so we should back Mr.Davis fully for giving us a chance to vote!

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

"Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, said that the Tories were in disarray"

she better be kidding. has she looked at her own party recently?

Alex, London, England

pointless action by a man who cant take losing a democratic vote, once again we see how divided the conservative party really is

mike, swansea, west glamorgan

A democratic vote eh mike? There is nothing democratic about Nu Labour. Did we actually democratically vote for Mr Broon for PM?

R Bain, Derby,

Since 1997 we have seen a huge erosion into our civil liberties.

I am surprised that this is not a more controversial issue.

I strongly believe we should do what is necessary to eradicate terrorism but we should remember people are innocent until proven guilty. Where do we draw the line?

Barry Elliott, Blackburn, England

Good on you DD,it's about time someone exposed what is going on in this country.Surveillance cameras,interception of E Mails,detention without trial-this country is becoming more like the old USSR by the day.It's a pity the Tory party didn't take up this issue rather than having to rely on Davis

Andy, Bristol, UK

So David Davis thinks that if he wins a bi-election in a safe Tory seat that will prove that he is right on the 42 days issue? With an illogical mind like this, thank goodness he has enabled David Cameron to replace him at the Home Office before he gets the chance to make other crass decisions.

Xanthe, St Ives, UK

What a state this country is in, when a prominent MP is ridiculed for making a stand on principle. The majority of our MPs, on both sides, wouldn't know a principle even if it was spelled out for them. This country has slipped so far down the pan that it seeks to bury DD rather than praise him.

A. Wilson, Goole, East Yorks, England.

How out of touch political "experts" and commentators and even Times editorial writers are. I bet that in the next opinion polls the Tory lead will have gone up as a result of David Davis's principled resignation. Three cheers for him.

Reg Tripp, Alton, Hampshire

I applaud David Davies. The first parliamentarian I have seen in my lifetime who puts principle before personal gain. I wish him well and will certainly support him in any way I can.

Mikko Takala, Drumnadrochit, Scotland

People who agree with 42 days, how would you feel about being locked up for 42 without charge.
Look what has happened to Civil liberties so far under terrorism laws.
Bin Police, Council snooping into your rubbish and lives etc.
We know laws can and will be misused, our liberty MUST be protected.

Howard , Basildon, England

Mr Davis has a good cause, but the right place to further it was in his very powerful position within the party and parliament (he was Shadow Home Secretary, for heaven's sake), not ranting on the streets of Yorkshire. If he couldn't do it then, he won't do it now.

Andrew May, De Panne, Belgium

I can't see why this is supposed to be so good for Labour. The facts themselves haven't changed, the Country is still in the same mess with the same unelected Prime Minister spouting the same tired rhetoric.

DD's been a bit of a self-important berk but the press will soon get bored of him

David, St Albans, UK

It seems to mean that some political parties will try to retain power by not standing for election. Perhaps others of us in future can also try for power without standing - by other means and without argument. An aspect of decadence?

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

A politican who is willing to 'stand up and be counted', congratulation Mr Davis.

Shame Mr Brown does NOT have one tenth of your principles

Mike, Gravesend, England

David Davis is my hero. This country has needed a champion for these causes since NEW Labor stated dismantling our rights one by one. Enough is enough ! I applaud Mr. Davis for what he is doing and only wish I lived in East Yorkshire so I could whole heartely vote him back in !!

Louise, Alresford, Hants

Not quite sure what the Labour Government has to crow about. It is thoroughly despised by the great majority of the British public, and its poll ratings reflect the public contempt for both the Party and its politicians. Perhaps they are hoping this will assist them in some way - I suspect not.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

What, seriously, is the difference between 28 days and 42 days? Habeas Corpus has HAD to be sacrificed. The so called Magna Carta values that Mr. Davis resigned over HAD to be overriden in a post September 2001 world. This is a publicity stunt at its best. Typical, disappointing public response.

Ila, Gidea Park,

Labour really shouldn't gloat. DD has got everyone taliking about the issues and there'll be more to come. It's going to be interesting to see if his majority increases or not.

Sarah, London,

so this is labour's new plan? instill policies that are so ridiculous they force the opposition party members to quit and then cheer and jeer at them when they do. this a a damning condemnation of brown's policies, not something labour should get excited over!

Alex, London, England

Who cares if Labour crow?! They are playing into Davis's hands. The more they mention it (positively or negatively), the more we talk about it here and elsewhere and the more voters think about what Labour is doing to us as a country. Follow Davis's example - stand up for what you believe in!

Chris, Portsmouth,

We have sleepwalked into the surveillance state-the govt is cctv, measuring your bins, storing your biodata+emails, council spies check on you, and if you are a suspected terrorist- 42 days without any recourse... a small step to "I don't like your views, you're going away for a while..." Go David!

phil, Headley, UK

Giving these extra powers (6 weeks detention without charge) to a police force that has shot down an innocent man and over the years has secured many false convictions doesn't make any sense. But then who expects sense from the government? Congratulations to David Davis for having principles.

Charles, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Well done to Mr Davis. A man of principles, such a rare thing in goverment these days. Innocent until proven guilty, unless the police force want to call you a terrorist. Being held for 42 days without charge is a shamefull act of liberty taking. The people of our country have been abused this week.

Kelly McEntee, London, England

Come on Cameron - back Davis wholeheartedly.
It is about time the issue of personal freedom got the airing it deserves. It is one of the issues that drove me, a former labour party member, to abandon Labour. Their record is shocking and personally it is amazing that more people don't care.....

tanya, london, UK

If you do listen to the speech, this is not just about 42 days and well done Mr Davis for standing up against all the dictatorial laws we now and possibly will endure. If the government stopped wasting money on ID card schemes, they could afford more police to do the job in 28 days!

Alistair Kipling, Birmingham,

Davis is a man with principals. In today’s modern politics it is all about image and youth. To run a modern party you have to be 35 and have some catchy phrases (Gordon Brown is not this). It is refreshing to see some politician do care and do have some substance, well done Davis.

Richard Smart, Portsmouth, UK

Habeas Corpus? Wots all that then? Sum old-fashioned fing innit? Lets get moddan. and bang up all them terrorists.

David, Bromley,

David Davis has taken an awesome step, especially in todays cynical world of politics. History tells us that all people of principle who take a stand have to undergo ridicule and an immense amount of pressure. Remember, a single strand of truth is stronger than a mountain of lies and spin.

MIIB, Portsmouth, uk

Smug Labour MPs? No surprise.

On his return to parliament (as he almost certainly will) he will be consigned to the wilderness of the backbenches -he has sacrificed his career for principle.

Bravo Mr Davis - if only more politicians had your courage and conviction!

Ben, Berkhamsted,

Well done Mr Davis.

In the USA it's TWO days.

Isn't everybody fed up with this grubby, grasping government taking away our liberties bit by bit.
Would YOU really trust Jacqui Smith and this shower to look after your security -- leaving top secret documents on a train.

Phil, Preston,

Very clever as well. This may be the end of the Labour government and his winning back of his seat will show how strongly people believe Labour is pulling the iron curtain over us. If he wins, I will reconsider staying in UK, it indicates not all politicians are self serving power hungry airheads!

Alistair Kipling, Birmingham,

I suppose Labour have to have something to gloat about in the sad shambles of a government they have become. All credit to David Davis for making a stand and highlighting the erosion of liberty, not to mention Zimbabwe quality vote buying and rigging used to pass this shabby legislation.

William Epps, Broadstairs, UK

Labour is crowing, as it does not understand that the dungheap on which it stands is on fire.

Matt, Birmingham,

Good to read so much support for Mr Davis , at least from the public , if not the media.

I want to see the poll which said that 65% of the public were in favour of 42 days without charge, anyone know where I can find it ?

Disgruntled Dorothy, Glasgow, Scotland

If DD is so principled, why is he making a stand now and not when the detention period was extended to 28 days? Extension to 28 days was ok, so what happens at 29 - 42 that is unacceptable but is at 28 or less? Perhaps Nantwich and Crewe has a figuring in DD's misguided thinking.

Scott, Carmarthenshire, UK

Much as his courage of his convictions should be applauded, DD should have just been patient, bide his time and in 2 years time, repeal the Act when there would have been a change in Govt in all probability.

KH, Newbury,

Let's see Labour defend their authoritarian policies. They wouldn't dare! And that's how the Tories should attack the Labour spin doctors. Of course Cameron won't - he's playing games rather than really supporting his colleague. I can understand the LD position but what are Labour afraid of?

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

this is a pathetic and pointless action by a man who cant take losing a democratic vote, once again we see how divided the conservative party really is

Mike Swansea West Glamorgan.

So you think 'Democratic' means getting your way by bribes and bullying threats. Nu lab educated, were you?

Bob, Cowes , UK

It is a sorry state of affairs when a lone Tory makes a stand on what should have been a decision voted for by the majority. Britain used to stand for freedom does it now begin to stand for tyranny?

David Amerland, Gatley, UK

David Davis is a rare breed among politicians. A brave and honourable man, the perfect man to help us regain our rapidly diminishing freedoms against the State.

You have already won over the support of my friends and family, Mr Davis. Good luck with the campaign!

DC, Newcastle,

The way the 42 day vote was won appears to be shabby and unprincipled. Side deals for the DUP, post offices, Cuba, etc. So giving ordinary people a say must be better. Whether or not we agree with 42 days, DD should be applauded for trying to have the issues properly debated and voted upon.

N Reed, London, UK

A brave stance, it will be interesting to see how much support he has - especially If his local party do not suport him, and he stand as an independant?
If only more politicians had the backbone to stand on principle, maybe we would have a true govt. of the people instead of greedy and power hungry

Ron, Milton Keynes, UK

At last someone in authority willing to push back against an all intrusive state apparatus and save of us from those who know best.

Tom Payne, Huddersfield, UK

I think you are focusing on the wrong issue. For once an MP has shown bottle and acted as a matter of principle for which I totally support him. This government has taken away more freedoms and taken control of more aspects of our lives than any previous administration and it must STOP.

R J Bull, Bristol, England

DD is indeed a man of conviction. I pray this move does not backfire because there is a much a great deal at stake here. Civil liberties continue to be eroded at a truly sinister rate all over the so-called civilised world. UK may well emerge at the forefront without men of conviction like DD.

Willo, MK,

Some may have the opinion that Mr Davis has "lost the plot" or that he has made a politically foolish move; personally I respect David Davis for making a stand on this issue - particularly if it encourages a proper debate on the continuing erosion of civil liberties in the country.

Paul Dutch, Norwich,

Labour says this is a publicity stunt. It is. Davis is drawing the publics attention that our human rights have been railroaded. They pretend they are taking the high moral ground by not fighting, but in essence their only chance of saving face is to win the bi-election through persuading the public

Matthew S, London,

I could'nt give a monkeys if supected terrorists are held for years, just like in other countries. What I find insane is that we the tax-payers will pay them £3000 per day if held for over 28 days !!
What is going on? Are we going to be in a position of funding our own terrorists?

Jason, Staines, UK

We'll just bend over backwards then to mollify a Labour government that is hellbent on removing our privacy.
Jack Straw's spineless comment "We have no way of knowing how many illegals (unvetted) have entered the country", says it all. Allow anybody in and force ID cards onto everyone.

P. Kelly, Beverley, UK

Mr Davis should seek the opinions of his electorate on the following:- SLEEZE, HUGGING HOODIES & ZERO TOLERANCE. Furthermore he should observe and support their views.

Peter Hughes, Burnham, England

It would apear gordon brown has taken a leaf out of robert mugabe's book, and that David Davis is the new Morgan Tsvangirai.

I personaly hate where our country is going labour has ruined teh education system so they can create dum sub class of voters who will jump when commanded too.

MR W Jones, Liverpool, England

Philipe Foster of Narbonne should take a look in his own backyard.France has far more dragonian laws on suspect terrorist than UK. President Sarkozy is very successful in deporting thousands of illegal immigrants every year unlike the UK French judges interprete EU Civil Liberty laws differently.

Bill Rees, Truro, Cornwall

At the end of the day they are designing a police state which their children have to live in aswell. I agree with the 42 days as this isn't much on what they have already but Mr Davis has a point, it is against freedom to hold DNA and issue ID cards. It's also giving us a mark of the beast 666.

Richard, Bristol, UK

Well done Davies.A politician of principle.What a refreshing change from all these metro careerists.
We lived through 30years of far more serious attacks from the IRA terroists without needing these extreme measures. Brown uses every opportunity to meddle in and control our everyday lives.

R G James, Brasschaat, Belgium

Davis' move also appears to draw attention to the failure of most Political hacks on the issue of civil liberties as they are becoming cheerleaders to our loss of liberty.

Could that be why so many are trying to spike him since he exposes their own miserable failure.

A Williams, Stockton-on-Tees,

So as a matter of principle he feels he must resign from the House that voted in 42 days. But he then intends to contest a by-election in a safe Tory seat and then return to the same House.

And I assume my taxes will be paying for this unnecessary farce!!!!

Simon, Leicester,

David Davis is brave and I believe correct to make a stand about this governments use of laws in this country.
It not only the 42 days but other issue aswell such as lack of police on the streets because of CCTV, CCTV does not stop crime. a Copper on the beat Might just deterre a crime happening.

Dave, London, England

Civil liberties are so eroded in this society that it a professional teacher of 30 years standing can lose her job and career because of the unsupported and unchallengable suspicion of an anonymous police officer, without ever being arrested, held or questioned in any way. All power to David Davis

Ian Richardson, Epping, UK

A big deal about nothing. There is so much hot air around this
issue the chattering classes are getting their knickers in a twist. Many advanced (and arguably more) libertarian democraticies have no time limit, never mind 42 days. This is just a classic case of the Westminister bubble.

Duncan , Inverness, Scotland

Philip Foster of Narbonne has it just right.
<br/>
<br/>Britain is becoming the new East Germany.
<br/>
<br/>And they don't even have the Russians to blame.

Albert, Paris,

J.E.W says, "The authorities say there are up to 2,000 Islamic terrorists." That could be just 1. Why be so vague? Doesn't he remember Blair's 45 minutes? Who still believes that? Or his weapons of mass destruction story downloaded from the internet? Who would surrender our liberty on their word?

Peter Jones, Brighton, UK

Brown's chickens have been coming home to roost.

Now let's see if he's too chicken to put up a candidate to fight.

John, London, UK

A man believes so strongly in civil liberties that he is willing to sacrifice his political future. A very brave man.

Corrupt New Labour reaction, glee and cheers. The only principle they understand is that of holding onto power for as long as possible and offering bribes and lies to do so.

John Moore, Paphos, Cyprus

The Parliament Acts means The Lords can simply delay but not block. Time to repeal The Parliament Acts before we get The Civil Contingencies Act suspending elections "for the duration"

TomTom, Leeds, England

A politician with principles. Now there is a strange beast

Ray Harvey, Hitchin, uk

There was no 'democratic vote' on the 42 day power Mike in Swansea. Brown sacrificed principles for political expediency.

This has been so un-democratic that Davis feels forced into opening a public debate on the curtailment of our civil rights.

Shabby Labour have nothing to crow about.

Dan V, London, UK

The civil liberties we are losing were hard won over many years. What is the point of doing shoddy deals to get the reqiured vote, when the Lords will shoot it down anyway?

margie , victoria , australia

I hope Labour put up a candidate and fight the good fight.

Neel, Oxford, UK

this is a pathetic and pointless action by a man who cant take losing a democratic vote, once again we see how divided the conservative party really is

mike, swansea, west glamorgan

Davis has done the right thing. The erosion of liberties we have seen in the last ten years, starting with the surrender of habeas corpus and continuing daily, is far more important than the short term interests of one party.

Amanda Brown, Totnes, UK

I think DD looked a little unhinged during his press conference broadcast yesterday. The shadow cabinet is probably better off without him

John Scott, Central, Hong kong

On This Week, Kelvin MacKenzie might run against Davis.

Stephen, St. Ives, England

Labour have nothing to crow about. If the entire Tory party packed up politics and moved to Reykjavik I still wouldn't vote for Labour and I think many feel the same.

Phill, The Wirral, England

I have to question the tone of journalism we are seeing over the Davis resignation. It appears this article, like many others, is intent on fudging reality in favour of appeasing the Westminster in-crowd.

N Shaw, Belfast, Northern Ireland

David Davis is correct. The erosion of the UK’s ancient civil liberties is by far the most important political question currently facing the British electorate. I have lived in Europe for the last ten years and am shocked, each time I return to the UK by the degree of state intrusion in the daily life of the ordinary citizen. I am reminded of the feeling one had when crossing in to East Germany in the late sixties.

Philip Foster, Narbonne, France

"The re-actions of Davis and everyone who says we've lost our liberty is sensationalist guff."

- if you were locked up for 42 days then it might not seem quite so sensationalist. Although you probably believe they get it right every time.

Dave Williams, Beijing, China

It gives one hope to see so prominent an MP take a stand against the Orwellian prophecy our nation seems so keen on fulfilling.

Leon Roy, London, UK

The faithful lackeys of NuLab are swallowing Labour Spin. But this is a disaster for Labour - if they put up a candidate they will be trounced and if they don't they will look pathetic.

NBeale, London, England

It's only a success for Labour if you want it to be. A man is sticking up for our freedoms that are being severely threatened
under this labour government, and we should support him 100%, so we can take them back.

Tony P, London, UK

The slow erosion of public rights are a worthy cause to fight for.
Schools using anti-terrorist laws to spy on would be pupils for their school is just one example that showed in the news earlier this year.
Next a database state and your house owned by your ID not you!!
And if the database fails ??

Keiran Stoker, Shepshed, England

I'm trying to work out what the heck David Davis is playing at,no Tory could really be that upset about the 42 day detention

I think Davis and The Tories would be in favour of it if Labour were against it,this is a publicity stunt to try and get Labour to kick out Brown and force an election.

Fergus Sira-Lexon, England,

Perfectly put.

Rupert Pearson, London, UK

this man stands up for civil liberties. this should be an embarrassment for all members of the UK's government and a damning condemnation of brown's policies. why would labour cheer his resignation? surely this is the ultimate way to show your personal feelings on such a controversial issue.

Alex, London, England

Mr Davis' madness has cost the Tory party this writer's vote.

The re-actions of Davis and everyone who says we've lost our liberty is sensationalist guff.

The authorities say there are up to 2,000 Islamic terrorists. Does J Wilkes of Gloucester think he's one of them?

Truly ridiculous.

J.E.W., Gatwick, UK

At last a politician with principles!
What a contrast to Gordon Brown's repulsive wheeling and dealing to secure "a victory" on 42 days and the the usual pathetic failure of all but a small minority of Labour MPs to vote according to their conscience rather than as the leadership orders.

Roger Murray, London, UK

I am highly amused that Jacqui Smith thinks the Tories are in disarray , when 37 Labour MPs voted against their own government, who only won through bribes to the DUP, who are 20% behind in the polls and with a weak ditherer for a leader, who will bottle this by-election for sure.
That is disarray!

Roger, swindon,

At last ! - A politician with principles who is prepared to make a stand against the creeping Stalinist policies of this lousy Labour government, and its erosion and theft of our rights and centuries-old liberties under the false banner of fighting terrorism.
Well done David Davis !

Trev, Ipswich, UK

I am still trying to work out how this is a success for Labour.

Only in the hermetically sealed world of Westminster I suppose - to those of us in the real world it is great to have a politician to look up to again.

J. Wilkes, Gloucester,

I do hope there's an independent candidate standing against Davis. But even if there is no serious defender of the government's Orwellian tendencies, that itself will speak clearly.

Now I want to know how libertarian Davis really is.

Simon, Brentwood, UK