A FORMER Government minister has defended his decision to vote against proposed anti-terror legislation.

Greenwich and Woolwich MP Nick Raynsford was one of 49 Labour rebels to reject plans to allow terrorist suspects to be detained for up to 90 days.

Mr Raynsford claims the proposal which was defeated in last week's Commons vote is "an unreasonable breach of human rights".

He also says the majority of his constituents backed his position, dismissing Government claims to the contrary as "nonsense".

As a former minister for local government Mr Raynsford was once heavily involved in safeguarding the capital from any potential terror threat.

He says the police and government were right to ask for more time to quiz suspects but believes 90 days is too long.

Mr Raynsford told News Shopper: "I was happy to support an increase but there is no justification for 90 days.

"It flies in the face of all our traditional respect for civil liberties and would represent an unreasonable breach of basic human rights."

Tony Blair decided not to retain Mr Raynsford in his ministerial team after the General Election in May.

However, the backbencher refuted claims he voted against the Government to get back at the Prime Minister.

Instead Mr Raynsford says he was acting on the views of most of his constituents.

He added: "I have had overwhelming support from people, some were coming up to me on the train on Wednesday night and patting me on the back.

"It is nonsense to say our position is unpopular."

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin also voted against the Government.

He said: "I do not think a strong enough case was made for 90 days. It is a severe measure which would have curtailed our basic legal rights."

Mr Austin added he expects more disquiet from the Labour backbenches over the Government's plans for education and the health service.

Complaint filed following insult'

As the terror vote reached its climax another political storm was brewing outside the Commons chamber.

Lewisham West MP Jim Dowd has filed a complaint against fellow Labour backbencher Bob Marshall Andrews under the parliamentary code of conduct.

Mr Dowd says the Medway MP made a "gratuitous and deeply insulting remark to him", during a break from the debate.

He said: "I was more than a little put upon and demanded an immediate apology from him.

"I do not want to repeat what he said but it was an outrageous comment. That sort of thing may pass for comment at Chiswick dinner parties but in south east London we have different ways of doing things."

Mr Marshall Andrews, who voted against the Government, says he has no knowledge of the incident.

Mr Dowd has also reported his fellow backbencher to the Labour chief whip and says he will "fully co-operate" with any investigation.