Targeting the finances of terrorists...

A very worthwhile idea - but aren't they already doing this? And, if they aren't, why not?

Gordon Brown is to propose setting up a new "Bletchley Park" in which experts can work on tracking down the financial networks of international terrorists.

Moving beyond his normal remit as Chancellor, Mr Brown will commit the Treasury to fund the new centre.

In a clear sign that he is preparing for life as a prime minister and world statesman, Mr Brown has held a series of meetings with intelligence, military and police chiefs to discuss his proposals.

He has worked closely on the proposals with Tony Blair, John Reid, the Defence Secretary and Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary.

An aide to Mr Brown said last night: "In the same way that during the Second World War, we brought Britain's most skilled mathematicians and codebreakers together to break the Nazi codes, Gordon believes we must now create a specialist centre where Britain's best financial experts can work on identifying, tracking and breaking down terrorist financial networks."