Tony Blair On Taking Civil Liberties
HE’S not gone yet – Tony Blair is talking about civil liberties and the War on Terror in the Times:
We have chosen as a society to put the civil liberties of the suspect, even if a foreign national, first.
Good stuff. Tony is not a fan of people who say “civil liberties come first” before the security of the population. “I believe this is a dangerous misjudgment,” says Tony.
And then the Times tells us:
NEW anti-terrorism laws are to be pushed through before Tony Blair leaves office giving “wartime” powers to the police to stop and question people.
John Reid, the home secretary, who is also quitting next month, intends to extend Northern Ireland’s draconian police powers to interrogate individuals about who they are, where they have been and where they are going.
Under the new laws, police will not need to suspect that a crime has taken place and can use the power to gain information about “matters relevant” to terror investigations.
If suspects fail to stop or refuse to answer questions, they could be charged with a criminal offence and fined up to £5,000. Police already have the power to stop and search people but they have no right to ask for their identity and movements.
Hands up against the wall – and spread ’em – those of you who think this is good move and that the police will not abuse the power?
Posted: 27th, May 2007 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
