Computer hackers could face up to 10 years in jail under laws outlined by the home secretary in the Commons yesterday. The laws, proposed as part of the police and justice bill, will also make it possible to extradite hackers to stand trial in Britain. The bill last night passed its second reading without a vote.

Charles Clarke said: "One of the growing new threats that can only be tackled through extensive international co-operation is the continued threat posed by computing hacking."