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Anthony Butcher · 13-09-2004, 05:11 PM

Welcome to the forum Steve.

I completely agree with you about the Civil Contingencies Bill. It breaches every common-sense limitation on government power, and it appears that it can be invoked almost at will.

We can only hope that the sensibilities of Parliament and the House of Lords will prevail and throw the bill out. I find it hard to believe that the government is seriously suggesting this legislation. If they are indeed intent on passing the bill, then I think that they truly have lost all sense of what it is to be British.

I wonder whether this is in fact part of a larger trick:

1. Suggest something completely outrageous that gets people worked up.
2. Back down under the pressure and appear to be listening to the people.
3. Suggest a milder alternative as a compromise (which is the legislation originally hoped for anyway).
4. People are so relieved that the other suggestion has failed that they will accept the new suggestion willingly as a compromise.

Yes, it is cynical, but hopefully this will be the case.

13-09-2004, 05:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Anthony Butcher Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Long Ashton, Bristol Posts: 10,315 Party: None	Welcome to the forum Steve. I completely agree with you about the Civil Contingencies Bill. It breaches every common-sense limitation on government power, and it appears that it can be invoked almost at will. We can only hope that the sensibilities of Parliament and the House of Lords will prevail and throw the bill out. I find it hard to believe that the government is seriously suggesting this legislation. If they are indeed intent on passing the bill, then I think that they truly have lost all sense of what it is to be British. I wonder whether this is in fact part of a larger trick: 1. Suggest something completely outrageous that gets people worked up. 2. Back down under the pressure and appear to be listening to the people. 3. Suggest a milder alternative as a compromise (which is the legislation originally hoped for anyway). 4. People are so relieved that the other suggestion has failed that they will accept the new suggestion willingly as a compromise. Yes, it is cynical, but hopefully this will be the case.