The Spyblog picks up on a story in the Independent today regarding the Wilson Doctrine.
Tony Blair is preparing to scrap a 40-year ban on tapping MPs’ telephones, despite fierce Cabinet opposition, The Independent on Sunday can reveal.
He is expected to formally announce to the Commons within weeks that MPs can no longer be sure that the security services and others will not intercept their communications.
The cabinet are not best pleased. Quelle surprise. Dr Reid is furious:
“Reid demanded to know why on earth we were going down this route,” said one government colleague. “It was all the more surprising since you would have thought the MoD is one of the departments most in favour of increased surveillance powers.”
Quite. I’m at a loss to understand why this reversal should come about anyway – the excuse given; that the Wilson Doctrine should be abandoned following extra powers for MI5 in the wake of the bombings just doesn’t wash. Unless the leadership of the bombers is to be found in the corridors of Westminster? This has the delicious tang of paranoia about it. The paranoia of a fascist megalomaniac who is clinging to power despite everyone else just wishing he would do the decent thing and go – and go quickly.
The article goes on:
“Mr Blair was last night put on notice that any attempt to tap MPs’ phones would be bitterly opposed in the Commons. Andrew Mackinlay, Labour MP for Thurrock, said it was a “hallmark of a civilised country” that its state did not spy on elected representatives. This goes to the heart of what is to have a free Parliament not some privilege enjoyed by MPs. Constituents, pressure groups and other organisations need to know for sure that they are talking to their elected representatives in complete confidence.”
I’m inclined to point out that when has that bothered this man? Freedom and liberty are words not found in his lexicon. No more does he respect these than he respects the rule of law. The man is out of control – his party knows what is the honorable thing to do. A little history lesson might be in order; The senate of ancient Rome managed it with Caesar. The ides of March aren’t too far away. In the meantime, get sharpening. Et tu, Gordon?
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