After two terror suspects who were subject to control orders absconded, the Government has threatened a kneejerk increase in their powers.

Tony McNulty said the measures had always been a “second best option” and were under review.

Hurrah! I agree with a minister for once. Control orders really are a second best option. Where we differ, I suspect, is that McNulty considers the best option to be the imprisonment without trial that was thrown out by the courts. I consider the best option to be actually having a trial.

The minister then appeared to go off message:

In response to suggestions the two suspects could carry out an attack at any time, Mr McNulty said: “On balance, I don’t think that’s the case at all.”

I suppose he has to balance striking fear with looking negligent…