EURO MP Gary Titley has given his backing to new legislation aimed at tackling terrorism.

He said: "They mean that anyone suspected of being connected with terrorism can be arrested and in light of what happened in Bury, and the stabbing of Stephen Oake in Crumpsall earlier this month, I think they are certainly justified," he said.

"There is a very sophisticated intelligence operation across the country and if suspicions about arrested suspects materialise into facts, then again I think it is justified."

The legislation was attacked by a Dutch MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She said that arresting asylum seekers suspected of terrorist links was a breach of human rights.

"Her criticism was not valid," said Radcliffe-based Mr Titley. "In fact, it is a requirement of United Nations members that they follow such legislation."

But Mr Titley, who is Labour's European leader, warned of the dangers of over-reacting. "Some parts of the media are creating hysteria and exaggerating an important issue, which is not helpful."