Book launch this evening: ‘Fight Terror, Defend Freedom’ by Dominic Raab MP

This evening will see the launch of civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch’s new publication, ‘Fight Terror, Defend Freedom’ by Dominic Raab MP.
 
The launch of the book will take place between 5:00pm and 6:00pm today in the Thatcher Room in Portcullis House, Houses of Parliament.  
 
Mr Raab, who was an international lawyer prior to his election to Parliament, will introduce his publication, followed by a panel discussion including former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis MP, Centre for Technology Policy Research Jerry Fishenden and Big Brother Watch Director Alex Deane.   
 
Commenting on the launch of the publication Raab said:

“Today’s publication of the National Security Strategy, highlights the flaws in the last government’s approach to counter-terrorism. Too much time, money and effort was wasted on ‘sound byte’ security. Too many of Labour’s measures, like ID cards and prolonged detention without charge, were unnecessary or irrelevant to our security. 

 “The government has a golden opportunity to break with this flawed approach. We should be defending our freedoms, like free speech and the presumption of innocence. At the same time, the justice system is an underused weapon in the fight against terrorism. We should be strengthening our capacity to prosecute terrorists – not least by lifting the ban on using intercept as evidence.” 

Alex Deane, Director of Big Brother Watch said: 

“The case for action is now irresistible.  Dominic Raab’s publication shows the injustices being done every day in this country.  Stop and search and control orders are being reviewed – why?  Why review something when you know it’s wrong?“ 

Click here to download a copy of the booklet.

Comments

[Stephen Hoffman]

This was an excellent event, which I was privileged to attend.

[Sati Pera]

Most of the time your stories are from Tory newspapers and you mainly publicise Tory politicians. Do you feel you have any credibility left to lose?

[Sati Pera]

You may want to read this about Big Brother Watch's latest favourite Tory. It could be called will the peasants please stop bothering me. http://blog.38degrees.org.uk/2010/08/09/dominic-raab-tells-constituents-dont-email-me/

[Alex Deane]

Morning, Satipera!

Have you actually read the publication? Do you have any criticism to offer about what it contains?

On the point you're trying to make... do remember that Tony Benn spoke at our launch:

http://www.youtube.com/user/bigbrotherwatched#p/f/4/6rdpEWDXDoI

And a good Lib Dem presence in the forthcoming BBW book, too. These aren't party-political issues, Satipera. Of course, my background is strongly Tory, as per my public profile which you can read here:

http://bigbrotherwatch.typepad.com/home/alex-deane.html

And I'm not ashamed of that - actually, rather proud. But I do wonder why you say "Tory" as if it's an innate criticism... do you feel you have any credibility left t... oh I can't be bothered ;)

[Sati Pera]

Alex

Yes I was aware that Tony spoke at the launch, I intend to ask him if he has been following your coverage and if he supports its tone.

You say that BBW is non political but you constantly push a Tory right wing libertarian and small government viewpoint. This involves trying to cast the Tory party as the true defenders of civil liberties and upselling other policies which stretch to areas that are beyond your sites remit but appeal to you. Throwing in a few people from other parties every now and then who are attracted by the civil liberties "hook" does not detract from the fact that this site is merely a front for a section of the Tory Party.

When you are non party political and stick to your remit, I will as well as continuing to support civil liberties stop criticising you whether you can be bothered or not.

[Alex Deane]

@Satipera - well, that's how you see us, oh well. I don't know what we can do to sate you. I did outline the various ways in which we'd criticised the Conservative party on another thread in response to your various accusations but, typically for you, you didn't respond.

But on the main point here, let's try again; have you read the pamphlet, and what do you disagree with in it, if so?

[Stephen Hoffman]

Also Satipera being libertarian and anti big government is not a party political issue. For example in Australia and New Zealand there were Labour parties there who realised that the size of the state was too large and intrusive.

[Alex Deane]

Satipera - read this

http://www.bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/home/2010/10/in-resurrecting-the-intercept-modernisation-programme-the-government-breaks-a-clear-basic-and-fundam.html

And then have a think.