Conference comes from the word "confer" Latin for "to bring". "To meet in order to deliberate together or compare views; consult: conferred with her attorney." Thomas, this man was trying to engage Jack Straw, but Jack wouldn't. I remember when you got hecklers at conferences, and MP's would stand their ground (If they could). Only goes to show that Jack Straw can't or won't. Also, was it not very extreme to then hold the man under anti-terrorism laws?