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February 24, 2005

End of an era

Last night's vote in Parliament on new anti-terrorism legislation saw an almost inexorable step taken towards the end of an era that opened with the signing of Magna Carta in 1215. That document enshrined the principle that

In future no official shall place a man on trial upon his own unsupported statement, without producing credible witnesses to the truth of it.

No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land.

For 790 years, through numerous wars and periods of civil unrest the principles of Magna Carta have endured. Until last night when, with indecent haste, the Government decided that it was more appropriate that the Home Secretary stand in judgement. Now the danger with all such measures is that regardless of whether or not they are well intentioned, once they are on the statute, they will eventually be misused or abused.

So ask yourself, why does the government feel the need to introduce such measures? According to Tony Blair, there is no greater civil liberty than to live free from terrorist attack. Well I'm sorry but he is asking use to swap the tyranny of fear for the tyranny of oppresive government, if not now then in the future.

And what a corrupting influence power is. Back in 1994, the Labour Shadow Home Secretary stated that The liberty of the subject should be taken away not by the act of a politician, but by a court of law. The name of this clearing thinking individual? Tony Blair.

The battle is not yey over. Although the Government carried last night's vote, there are further opportunities to derail it. And in the meantime, if your local MP was one of those who voted against the bill, please take the time to thank them. Especially if they were one of the 32 Labour MPs who rebelled against the Government.

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Posted by Clive on February 24, 2005 3:59 PM in the category Old Stuff

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