Yep, the old bill are at it again.
Now obviously terrorism is a very serious matter, and the authorities should be doing as much as they can to combat it. So, what tactic do the police employ?
Targeting known places where people gather to listen to unbelievably hate-filled lunatics call for anyone who doesn't believe in the same fairy-story as them to be killed?
No.
They knock on people's doors, demanding to see passports, and other personal documents to prove ID and address.
Target people who call for the death and destruction of the country? Nope!
Demand that Mr Bobson proves he is Mr Bobson and lives at 32 Tatterly Street? Oh yeah!
Incidentally (although I'm sure the police don't really care about small details like this), how does Mr Bobson proving that he is Mr Bobson and does indeed live at 32 Tatterly Street imply that he's NOT a terrorist?
What is the penalty for not having ID within your own home (there are people who don't own a passport or driving licence you know. Hmmmm, maybe we best push through your ID card laws after all!), is it another Terrorism Act special like photographing a police officer, ie 10 years in jail?
Nice work boys, I feel safer already.
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Clearly this is a massive invasion of the privacy of law abiding people, and a total over-reaction to any perceived threat. I doubt the cops charged with actually doing this will be any more pleased about it than we are either...
ReplyDeleteWould any police officer like to confirm the laws by which the police are authorised to do this?
Oh - and I note that they government have announced today that the ID Cards will not be compulsory for UK citizens - which is of course a good thing. But it's not about the cards - it's the damned National Identity Register that scares me. Let's see if the government are prepared to let that idea slide as well...
Martin
Nothing like completely misrepresenting the facts is there?
ReplyDeleteIt's in the run-up to the Labour Party conference, and it's part of normal procedure in any event where residential premises are likely to be within the cordon that is put in place.
Presumably you would accept that it is reasonable to establish exactly who you will be giving security passes to and exactly who is working in and around the cordon site?
Erm, no.
ReplyDeleteI expect the cordon that is put in place to cover only the actual venue, and not an entire district of the town that is hosting the event.
If I were to be a suicide bomber, living in Brighton (which is quite possible as the venue of the conference is known way in advance), I would think your giving me a security pass to walk through the cordon just because I showed you a leccy bill to be quite helpful...
At the end of the day, if the venue itself cannot be contained without having to place restrictions on innocent members of the public like this, then the venue itself is unsuitable.
We're talking about a party conference, and for a party with 16% of the vote? Would anyone who matters really miss it?
Martin.
I assume from your post that you have never been involved in policing/security for any political conference.
ReplyDeleteThe trade-off is always there between the suitability of a venue and the potential rewards for local businesses and shops when the conference rolls into town.
By imposing just that one condition you are condemning all conferences to be held on oilrigs somewhere off the Aberdeen coast.
You're right - I haven't been involved in the policing of political conferences.
ReplyDeleteI recognise your argument about things been a tradeoff between the suitability of the venue and the possible increase in custom for local businesses - but I'm depressed that you don't seem to think that trampling all over the local population even comes into the discussion...
As for your oil rig off Aberdeen idea, suits me! If the police are sincere in their belief that the conference is a target for terrorism, then as the modern day terrorist's arsenal includes chemical and biological weapons, I'd just as soon the conference, if held at all, be held well away from the general populace.
And then we'd both be happy!
Martin
For the amount of people likely to attend the conference I think a small fishing boat would suffice, rather than an oil rig...
ReplyDelete