LONDON, June 11: British Prime Minister Gordon Brown won a crucial vote in parliament on Wednesday to extend the time terrorism suspects can be held without charge, bringing some relief to a leader who is under fire.

Parliament voted 315 to 306 in favour of extending the pre-charge detention time limit to 42 days from 28 days. But a revolt by members of the ruling Labour Party slashed the government’s majority of 65 to nine votes. Defeat for Mr Brown would have seriously damaged his authority at a time when his poll ratings are at an all-time low and some Labour lawmakers are openly questioning his suitability to lead them into the next general election, due by May 2010.

Labour's poll ratings have plummeted in past months as the public has lost confidence in Brown's ability to address an economic slowdown and a spike in living costs.

Elections for local councils and a single parliamentary seat in May showed a swing to the opposition Conservative Party that would give them a landslide if repeated at the next election. Brown argued police needed the additional time, which would only be used for “grave and exceptional terrorist threats”, to ensure Britain's national security — given the complex nature of terrorism plots.—Reuters