Gareth Peirce on Terrorism Bill

Gareth Peirce has an eloquent plea to MPs to throw out the Terrorism Bill in today’s Guardian.

Without protection for the individuals who make up society, society itself founders. Nor is there a balance to be struck between the rights of individuals and national security: national security depends upon every individual in this country having inalienable rights. We have not voted for you as our representatives for you to throw these away.

Peirce has been cleaning up the consequences of repressive legislation for decades. She represented the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four, the latter of whom were among the first people picked up under the original Prevention of Terrorism Act. She now represents the Belmarsh detainees.

At the moment, it looks as if the Terrorism Bill is in serious trouble. There are also indications that ID cards won’t make it onto the statute book before the general election.

The tide may be turning, at least until 5th May.