Britain's Home Secretary revealed that only a small minority of organizations consulted about the government's proposal to allow police to detain terrorism suspects for up to 42 days without charge actually support the plan. Jacqui Smith defended the controversial plans, which would extend the detention period from 28 days, to a parliamentary committee. Despite only six out of 71 organizations expressing unequivocal support, Smith did not disclose the names of these organizations or individuals. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald, and the former Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, have testified that they believe no change is necessary. Smith admitted to not meeting with MacDonald to discuss the proposals, despite needing his support. Over the weekend, media reports indicated that Jonathan Evans, the head of MI5, informed MPs privately that he would not support the new laws. Despite this, senior police officers, such as London Commissioner Ian Blair, have expressed support for the extension. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith argued that the proposals were essential to allow police more time to interrogate suspects in complex terrorism cases. She assured that the laws would have "safeguards" in place, requiring approval from both parliament and a judge for any extension. When questioned by members of both opposition and government parties, Smith denied that the 42 day limit was politically motivated, emphasizing that it was intended to ensure successful prosecutions. "It is possible that in the future, with only 28 days, there is a risk of releasing someone before evidence is gathered against them," she stated at the hearing. While she had previously agreed with critics that there was no need to extend the time, she changed her opinion due to the current threat of terrorism. "If I am mistaken, if senior police are mistaken about extending detention beyond 28 days, then the extension would never be utilized," she explained. Smith's unexpected announcement of the plans last week has been met with strong criticism from opposition parties, human rights groups, and certain Muslim organizations. The level of opposition, including some government MPs, suggests that Smith and Prime Minister Gordon Brown will face challenges in passing the laws through parliament. This would replicate the challenges faced by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who experienced his initial defeat in the House of Commons in 2005 when attempting to extend detention time to 90 days.