Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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Baker quizzes Blair over “draconian” law and order policies
Local MP Norman Baker last week challenged Tony Blair to justify the government’s programme of law and order measures.
Changes to the law made by the current government have given the police the right to hold suspects for up to 28 days without trial, and allowed the national DNA database to be expanded to include millions of innocent people. These measures are set to be joined by the infamous ID card system, which will electronically hold more than 50 pieces of information on each individual. The government also plans to limit the right to trail by jury.
Responding to Mr Baker’s questioning, the Prime Minister dealt only with the DNA point and claimed that the massive DNA database had helped to cut crime.
Speaking after the debate Norman Baker said:
"Once again the Prime Minister simply will not answer a direct question. He has made dodging questions into a lifestyle.
"The erosion of freedom of speech and the massive expansion of police powers are issues which concern many people in my constituency, and the country as a whole. This government under Tony Blair is demolishing basic rights built up painstakingly over centuries. Our civil liberties are fast disappearing and the form of a police state emerging."