By-election time
Today I shall be in the constituency of Haltemprice and Howden to support David Davis in his by-election campaign.
Whether one thinks his resignation was foolish or brave: his passion for defending our fundamental freedoms can be in no doubt. His decision to make a stand against a Government that has undermined our civil liberties reflects this view.
Gordon Brown’s refusal to face the electorate on such an important issue is nothing short of cowardice. The introduction of anti-terror legislation has, I suspect, precious little to do with the issue itself, but rather an attempt to look tough and to make the Tories look feeble. I fear this is all about party political advantage.
David Davis has set down clear lines of rejection of invasions of our liberties. Yet the Government are refusing to defend its own record.
Whether it is the growth of the surveillance state, the threat of ID cards or 42 day terror detention – the assault on our liberties continues.