New Delhi: Britain is opening a new work permit system, visiting British Home Secretary David Blunkett said yesterday (Jan 30, 2004), a move that will bring cheer to those heading for that country for greener pastures.

Indians are taking up about 20 per cent of the total work permits, Blunkett, who met Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani said in response to a question, adding Britain was strongly in favour of giving legal and economic roots to such migrants.

Blunkett, who will also visit Punjab, said Governments must strike the right balance between civil liberties and the ability to prevent terrorism, rather than simply prosecute after the event.

Speaking on 'Globalisation in an independent world-increasing security through cooperation' at the British Council, he said the prospect of prosecution was not sufficient to deter suicide bombers or the loosely connected international terrorist networks.