Tony Blair has given one of his tub thumping law 'n' order speeches calling for a "debate about the nature of liberty", a "rebalancing" of the criminal justice system and a "complete change of mindset" in which we "re-assess" what respect for civil liberties means. This, of course, means yet more authoritarian measures to curtail our liberty.

The very words Blair uses show why he is so dangerous. He simply doesn't understand freedom - he even, without any apparent irony, tries to claim George Orwell for his side!

Freedom isn't something governments can "redefine" when it gets in their way. Liberty isn't some sliding scale to be fiddled with. It's certainly not a bargaining chip to be traded in to placate the tabloids. Our freedoms are the basis of our society and the first job of any government must be to protect them.

Of course this isn't a perfect world. In reality we need to curtail some freedoms for society to work. I accept that. However such occasions should be seen as rare, unfortunate exceptions. We must start from the basis that civil liberties should never be restricted unless it is absolutely necessary. Then such restrictions should be kept to the absolute minimum and require the strictest justification. Removal of basic rights should be seen as a last option - not a first choice.

Blair's speech is not only wrong in principle it is dangerous in specifics. It includes a call for more "summary powers" - further erosion of the right to a fair trial. He also argues in favour of forcing suspects to prove that they came by their assets legally - totally reversing the burden of proof and the assumption of innocence. He even takes issue with those who object to "curbing any of the procedures and rights used by defence lawyers" - why not just do away completely with the bothersome business of a trial?

Blair doesn't even mention the right to privacy or the balance of power between the individual and the state, both of which he is attacking with his ID Card proposals.

It's very easy to say: "But it'll never affect me". Until it does. In years to come you or your children could be saying: "And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."


Tony Blair is far more dangerous than any terrorist.


Tags: blair freedom law politics tony blair uk