Draconian laws are a threat to civil rights

RECENTLY I have noticed a worrying trend of government interference of our hard-won personal liberties and civil rights.

With the onset of the appalling Covid-19, we were, rightly in my opinion, subject to quite stringent measures which were mostly adhered to especially in our local areas despite chaotic inaction by our totally inept government, finally slowed down the spread of the virus.

We then had the breakthrough by the scientist that produced the vaccines, and the NHS carried out the programme, which has been an outstanding success.

Why then do we need the draconian laws now being introduced, to include Covid passports, to go about our normal everyday life, within our own borders, when face mask, social distancing and vaccinations are prevailing? The virus restrictions are being used to impose identity cards, something resisted in our society robustly for many years.

When they are established we will never get rid of them and increasing amounts of information will be held, it would be very foolish to believe that these are temporary measures.

This is just one intrusion into civil rights, very recently we witnessed the disturbing sight of a small woman, being pinned face down to the ground at a peaceful vigil, mainly by women, for another young woman that has been murdered while walking home, Covid laws in action.

To this we can add new laws under discussion to allow “the authorities”to decide if demonstrations, protest marches or any gathering of people will be allowed and the amount of noise they can make can go ahead. George Orwell eat your heart out! We are on a slippery slope, we can only hope enough politicians find the courage to halt this attack on our cherished democracy.

Tony Sykes

Via email