All couple of accusations are floating around at the moment following Damian Green's arrest by police yesterday that deserve debunking:
- Lib Dem MP John Hemming claims it's against the Bill of Rights 1688. A charge that I have trouble believing - the relevant provision covers proceedings in Parliament, not leaks to the press.
- Charlotte Gore is claiming the police used anti-terrorism legislation to search his house. They didn't. The police have confirmed however they did use officers from the Met Police's counter-terrorism unit, who arrested Mr Green and searched his premises under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act procedures. Confusingly, the enquiry falls under the counter-terrorism commander's remit, but it is not a terrorist-related arrest.
Comments
Darrell / November 28 2008 1:52pm
According to the recent posting on Liberal Conspiracy the reason for this is
"Because there’s the possibility that Green’s alleged source could be charged with an offence under the Official Secrets Act, responsbility for the investigation of this case falls to what used to be Special Branch, which has always held the responsibility for OSA cases since the very first such Act, which was passed in 1889.
However, in 2006, Special Branch was merged with the Met’s Anti-Terrorism Branch (which actually used be the investigative arm of Special Branch until it was separated off in 1972) to form a new Counter Terrorism Command."
Ivor Cornish / November 28 2008 2:13pm
The arrest of a democratically elected M.P. is yet a further infringement of our rights.
M.P.'s of all parties should be concerned at the actions of the police in this matter, and they should call for an emergency debate in the House.
This week I was notified of a forthcoming convention, at which by coincidence I see that Nick Clegg is one of the many speakers.
I was thinking of going to this before the Damien Green episode arose. I am now convinced of the need to attend a convention where there will be a debate by eminent lawyers and others on the erosion of our civil liberties. A concerted campaign across party lines is vital.
This is the site for the convention:-
http://www.modernliberty.net/
/ November 28 2008 2:15pm
Darrell, if only you worked in the Met Police press office. I asked them why it was under the counter-terrorism unit's remit and their response was essentially "because it is".
Darrell / November 28 2008 3:48pm
Lol Gavin; I'm unemployed so if you could put in a good word then would be appreciated ;)