Double betrayal

AMID the manifold drawbacks of coalitions – the compromises, the loss of purpose, the paralysis – there seemed to be two consolations to be drawn from the indecisive election result. The first was that two parties in partnership would be better than one at convincing the public that deep cuts were vital in the national interest. The other was that the Lib Dems, with their historic commitment to civil liberties, would spur on the Tories to restore freedoms eroded by the appalling intrusions of the state under Labour. How empty both hopes appear today. On the deficit, the bitter truth is that public spending is growing, not falling.

As for civil liberties, the Coalition is going even further and faster than Labour in sweeping them away.

First, ministers bring forward plans for secret justice, under which civil hearings – including even inquests into police shootings and military deaths – may be held behind closed doors.

Now come truly chilling proposals, set to cost £2billion, to make internet firms record the addresses of our every email, online conversation and website visit, for the authorities to access on demand. Meanwhile, they have done nothing to reform our lop-sided extradition treaty with the U.S., so dishonouring their pre-election pledge to Gary Mckinnon.

For a few politicians, the Coalition offers the thrill of power. But is there anything in it for the public?