"Liberties sacrificed for 'an illusion'"

See this article by John Ozimek over at the ever brilliant The Register ( a magazine concept that almost has no equivalent in any line of life other than IT ). Extract below:

....As polling day approaches for the Howden and Haltemprice by-election, voters and observers are left with an eerie sense of déjà vu as Labour once again refuses to debate its civil liberties record with David Davis.

Just over four years ago, a keynote conference, “Mistaken Identity”, was organised by Privacy International. While the focus was on government plans to introduce identity cards, speakers ranged far and wide across the civil liberties implications of the scheme.

Davis: hopes to kick 42 days into touch

It was Conservative Shadow Home Affairs spokesperson Davis who provided an impressive roundup of the issues. He accused the government of having a poor track record in protecting of confidential information, with the increasing exchange of data between departments authorised by ministerial fiat rather than legislation.

As for ID cards, .....

This shows that these issues are making headway outside of the Westminster village - as is the idea that Labour are too cowardly to debate them honestly.

David Davis interviewed by Labourhome's Alex Hilton

LabourHome's Alex Hilton has the coup of one of the first interviews with David Davis, see below.

Its a refreshing interview because Alex is intrested in what he is actually saying, and challenging him with his own views and questions. Alex was usually good value on 18DS - except of course the day he 'pre-announced' the death of a certain ex-prime minister.

He asks the question about why Labour should put up a candidate against him.



Have a watch, I'll rewatch it a bit more closely tonight and comment later.

Not standing against Davis is political cowardice - Labourhome post

Free Radical - over at Labourhome, makes the case that it'll be cowardice not to put up a candidate against David Davis to support Gordon Brown policy of 42 day detention without trial.

See here ....
The following quote gives an idea on the post ( in case the control freaks get to delete it before PMQs )

...If our leaders are so sure of their case on 42 days and civil liberties they should surely relish the opportunity to present it, along with the rest of party policy, in a high-profile byelection - even in a seat in which we would ordinarily have little chance of winning. Who knows, if Davis' act is, as our leader asserts "a stunt" then the good people of Haltemprice and Howden might see through him and show their support for imprisoning suspects without charge for six weeks by voting Labour?

But, on the other hand the public at large may see our failure to stand up for our beliefs by not contesting this byelection as an act of political cowardice, compared to what might appear an act of political courage and principle by David Davis.... [Free Radical].

Update: Its been confirmed that Labour will not be fielding a candidate at the by-election. Their excuses are no doubt available to read elsewhere.