EAST Lancashire MPs have welcomed plans to give police powers to force internet firms to hand over details that could help identify suspected terrorists and paedophiles.

The Anti-Terrorism and Security Bill will oblige internet service providers to retain information linking Internet Protocol addresses to individual users to ‘boost national security’.

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Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, said he thought the introduction was a ‘very good idea’.

He said: “I think more crime is happening online and the police need powers to deal with it.”

Blackburn MP Jack Straw, a former home secretary, said he was also in favour of the measures.

He said: “I think this is essential. The police are stretched dealing with the dangers that threaten our society.”

The plans were announced by home secretary Theresa May, who said the bill provided opportunities to resolve ‘very real’ problems that exist around IP resolution.

However, the legislation, labelled ‘the snooper’s charter’, has been criticised by some as being too invasive.

But Mr Stephenson said law-abiding citizens had nothing to worry about.

He said: “I do not think it is going to be a problem.

“We do have to be careful that the state does not have too much power, but these powers will only be used in serious circumstances.

“They will not be used to routinely monitor law-abiding members of the public.

“This is about stopping terrorists and other dangers to society.”

Emma Carr, director of campaign group Big Brother Watch, said: “It is perfectly reasonable that powers to provide the police with the ability to match an IP address to the person using that service is investigated.

“However, if such a power is required, then it should be subject to the widespread consultation and comprehensive scrutiny that has been sorely lacking to date.”