Be afraid...

[New Judge]

Last November a member of the main opposition party was arrested and held for eleven hours on suspicion that he had illegally obtained information which was either secret or compromised national security. His files and computers were seized from his office in his constituency, as were those from his office in the parliament building where he sits. Access to that office was provided by the "impartial" Speaker of the House.

During questioning by police he was told that he could face Life in prison for these alleged offences. His fingerprints and DNA profile were taken and remain on file forever.

Where did all this take place? A rogue African state? A corrupt South American dictatorship? No, this took place in England and the member was the Conservative spokesman on immigration and MP for Ashford, Kent.

Yesterday the Director of Public Prosecutions said that no charges would be brought. Furthermore he said that there was no evidence whatsoever to support the allegations made. (So trivial was this announcement considered that it did not warrant a mention on the BBC national news at 6pm).

Meantime, for the past five months, police have been sifting through files and confidential correspondence between the MP and his constituents (some of which may relate to complaints about the police).

Is there anybody still out there who believes that if you've done nothing wrong, you've nothing to fear?

[paraffin]

birdie:

Apology accepted and I offer you an olive branch by withdrawing my 16:32+16:38 posts - no hard feelings?

We both gave it our best and I respect your viewpoints.
Speak to you again soon.