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Saturday, August 11, 2007

The threat of terrorism from the law and order brigade


I can understand that the British Airport Authority (BAA) does not want its passengers and flights at Heathrow Airport being disrupted by climate change protesters. However, it's initial injunction to stop protesters at the High Court was too widely drafted and would have affected Uncle Tom Cobbly and all. The High Court granted an injunction which only affects Plane Stupid and those who engage with the organisation in any unlawful activity during any protest into climate change.

What is disturbing is that the police have been told to abuse their powers and use anti-terrorist legislation against peaceful climate change protesters who they know perfectly well have got nothing whatsoever to do with suspected terrorists.

I am reminded of this quote from Foulkes Administrative Law: "There is a need for public power and its efficient exercise: there is a need for protection against abuse of power".

The threat to democracy here is not terrorists, nor is it climate change protesters. The treat to democracy comes from the forces of law and order. Unless their powers are curbed, I can see anti-terrorist legislation soon being used against people who drop litter or people who allow their dogs to foul the pavement.

1 comment:

James Higham said...

...The threat to democracy comes from the forces of law and order...

... who are under orders from above who are themselves under orders from Brussels who are themselves with members in the financial cabals in Paris, Lonson and Bavaria, who ahve an agenda of economic and social constriction.