One issue is of course why they've been ruled illegal - not getting ministerial sign off within 48 hours seems pretty much a procedural oversight. But the number which lasted longer than the legal 28 day time period is truly concerning (and the blanket application in London frankly scandalous).
But I think the real issue of concern is what these 'oversights' and 'over zealous applications' mean in relation to how police managers see these quite sweeping powers. As a normal part of the job, perhaps? Something to be used more or less on demand? The number of searches conducted certainly implies a normalised procedure. That was not, presumably, the intention of the original legislation - although some might argue otherwise - and neatly illustrates the danger of introducing legislation to deal with 'unique' situations which go on to become a basic part of, in this case, police practice.
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