FROM SCI-FI DYSTOPIA TO NEW LABOUR REALITY
As New Labour sets itself to withdraw Britain from civilization, here’s a round-up of some responses to Charles Clarke’s (remember he’s the ‘liberal’replacement for Bad Blunkett) announcement that the British state has effectively re-introduced internment.
On the Law Lords announcement in December the London New Review wrote: “The verdict is in. The UK terror laws have been weighed and found wanting. This is a catastrophic blow to New Labour’s image as a force for democracy. If the Law Lords' verdict were a punch to the government’s kidneys, they would be weeing streaky blood for a month. And they might have to sleep on their front, simply on account of the pain. More here: LNR
Liberty’s comments are measured to the point of banality: “Director Shami Chakrabarti said:
'The Home Secretary is right to show respect for the House of Lords damning ruling. However, temporary restrictions upon a suspect’s liberty are only legitimate as long as a criminal charge and trial are in prospect. We urge the removal of the legal bar on intercepted material being used in trials.”
Liberty article here.
Meanwhile – here’s an interview with Alan Moore who talks of his amazement that his dystopian graphic novel ‘V for Vendetta’ (1982) featuring an awful authoritarian British state - became reality in his lifetime. “I don’t know if we were doing a Braille addition but somehow Blunkett got hold of it, so it’s all my fault.”
Listen to the interview here.
Still, in more heartening news that the squaddie - sorry Fusilier - gary Bartlam too his famous sex abuse pictures for his Mum. Aw, bless him, she must be so proud.
Bartlam told the court martial that he always carried a camera with him in Iraq so that he could "show his parents" what jobs he had been doing in the country. He said that at least 10 other soldiers were present while the Iraqis were being forced to simulate sex and that many were also taking photographs.
Full story here.
Makes you wonder what's she gettingf or Mother's Day?
