Blair lays down framework for police state in Britain

[IndianaGreen]

In addition to being accused of being joined at the hip to Bush, Blair's critics also accuse him of trying to turn his office into an American-style Presidency and wanting to establish a British version of PATRIOT Act.

Blair lays down framework for police state in Britain

Statement of the Socialist Equality Party (Britain)
10 August 2005

The measures announced August 5 by Prime Minister Tony Blair under the pretext of combating terrorism show how fully his government views democratic rights to be incompatible with its warmongering internationally and its pro-business agenda at home.

Blair used his monthly press conference to announce measures openly directed against immigrants and Muslims, but which set the stage for attacks on the right to free speech and for the criminalisation of all forms of political dissent.

Prior to Blair’s appearance, Home Secretary Charles Clarke had drawn up new grounds for deportation and exclusion for what the government arbitrarily deems to be a list of “unacceptable behaviours.” These measures encompassed not merely those involved with terrorist groups or those charged with financing terrorism, activities already proscribed, but included anyone seen as presenting an indirect threat to national security, public order, the rule of law in the UK or the UK’s good relations with a third country.

Any non-British citizen or naturalised British citizen living anywhere in the world, using any means whatsoever—including writing, producing, publishing or distributing material, public speaking including preaching, running a website, or using a position of responsibility such as teacher, community or youth leader—to express views which the government considers illegitimate can be targeted.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/aug2005/brit-a10.shtml

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. Well, they essentially did it in Northern Ireland for years.

Perhaps they will now open up a Maze Prison for people who look off color.

[wli]

2. are there any other countries trying to pull this kind of stunt?

[Pam-Moby]

3. yes, i think the US is starting to do the same. n/t

[wli]

4. I meant besides the US and UK n/t