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Blunkett Denies Queen's Speech Climate of Fear
The Government was accused today of fostering a climate of fear in the run-up to a general election after it placed security at the heart of its new parliamentary programme.
Ministers swiftly dismissed the charge as “patronising” and said people across the country were worried by the threat of terrorism and crime.
The claims from Tories and the Liberal Democrats came after the Queen’s Speech unveiled 32 Bills, including measures to bring in ID cards to combat terrorists and the creation of the British equivalent of America’s FBI.
The new crime-fighting force – called the Serious Organised Crime Agency, or Soca – will attempt to crack down on drug gangs, people traffickers, major fraudsters and internet paedophiles.
A draft Counter-Terrorism Bill was also announced. Although few details were given, it is eventually expected to include provisions such as no-jury terrorism trials and the use of phone-tapping evidence in court.
The Queen said in her address: “My Government recognises that we live in a time of global uncertainty, with an increased threat from international terrorism and organised crime.”
She said the theme of the next parliamentary session would be “security and opportunity for all”.
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary chairman Matthew Taylor said in a statement: “The Government is focusing on fear, whereas the Liberal Democrats offer hope.
“Crime and terror would be better addressed with 10,000 more police and a National Border Force, rather than wasting £3 billion on ID cards that didn’t protect people in the US or Spain and which would curtail British rights and liberties.”
Tory co-chairman Dr Liam Fox also accused the Government of seeking electoral advantage by fostering an atmosphere of fear.
Dr Fox told ITV Lunchtime News: “It is clear that they are trying to raise the fears from terrorism in the country at the present time. Now I think that is quite despicable, but it is a desperate Government.”
Home Secretary David Blunkett insisted the Government was acting responsibly.
Mr Blunkett said: “It is my job behind the scenes to make sure, as we have done, that we double the capacity of the security services, that we invest in protection, that we put in place as we are doing with ID cards and the new organised crime legislation, the necessary measures to secure our future. This Government will do just that.”
Commons leader Peter Hain also rejected the charge, saying: “It’s not just a security agenda but that’s the dominant one.”
He said: “I reject entirely the idea that this is pandering to fear. I think that’s patronising.”
He said Labour Party consultations across the country had shown people worried about terrorism and crime.
He went on: “More than eight out of 10 people across the people want ID cards and see that as a commonsense security measure.”
He also dismissed fears that the proposed new measures could infringe civil liberties, adding: “If you are bombed by a terrorist, what is your liberty then?
“In the end, people have to be safe to enjoy their liberty.”
The Queen’s Speech, from the golden Royal Throne in the House of Lords, was accompanied by the traditional pomp and pageantry – but was also delivered against the background of heightened security at Westminster.
Other measures announced today are designed to make people feel more secure in their own homes and streets.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill will give local councils more powers to tackle fly-tipping, abandoned cars, noise nuisance and light pollution, with measures such as spot fines.
A Road Safety Bill will give police new powers to tackle drink-driving and uninsured drivers and make sure foreign drivers cannot escape punishment in Britain.
It will also introduce stiffer fines for using mobile phones while driving and a new graduated points system for speeding.
Mr Blair fulfilled his promise to trades unions for action on corporate manslaughter with a draft Bill included in the programme.
It promises to hold bosses to account where they have not paid proper regard to the safety of their workers or the public.
On the “opportunity” theme, the speech included a measure to extend child benefit to families where youngsters aged 16-19 are still in training and further education.
An Education Bill was promised to reduce bureaucracy in schools by streamlining the inspection system.
Disabled people will gain more rights under a new Discrimination Bill and an Equality Bill will extend protection against discrimination on grounds of religious faith.
A new Commission for Equality and Human Rights will be set up to oversee the new regime.
Other measures in the programme include the European Union Bill, which paves the way for a referendum on the proposed European Constitution, and a National Lottery Bill aimed at making it simpler for organisations to get cash from the lottery.
An Animal Welfare Bill will pull together existing legislation on animal welfare in England and Wales – with speculation the Government could also use it to amend the Hunting Act to bring in a delay on the ban until July 2006.
Mr Hain said today that could happen only if the House of Lords approached the Government and said it had changed its mind over blocking a delay.
The police are also to get new powers to tackle animal rights extremists in an attempt to prevent harassment of scientists and others linked to animal experiments.
The controversial Gambling Bill is among three Bills carried over from the last session, although it is not specifically mentioned in the speech.
Tory leader Michael Howard and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy will give their official reaction to the measures when debate begins in the Commons this afternoon.
Mr Blair will also put his personal stamp on the programme in his speech to MPs.
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