All 12 men who were arrested two weeks ago in terror raids in the north west of England are to be released without charge.

However, nine of the men are to be deported for breaching the terms of their entry into the UK. Greater Manchester Police have released them into the custody (oxymoron, surely?) of the UK Border Agency.

The police raids, which were hastily brought forward and led to the resignation of Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick are now under renewed scrutiny.

Chris Huhne, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary said,

“This is yet another embarrassment for Jacqui Smith coming hot on the heels of claims that the Government exaggerated the national security threat during the arrest of Damian Green.

“The Home Secretary must now come before Parliament again to explain her department’s bunglings.

“Serious questions need to be answered about whether Bob Quick’s blunder distorted this operation and on what grounds these men are being deported.”

You can read more on this story in the Guardian.