Nigel Kennedy signs up to Davis's freedom rally
Violinist Nigel Kennedy and former British Army colonel Tim Collins are set to support David Davis's campaign against the Government's 42-day detention plans as the former shadow home secretary today reveals details of his "carnival of freedom".
Mr Davis told the Standard he hoped to attract figures from across the political spectrum as he fights a by-election in his Haltemprice and Howden constituency after resigning as an MP in protest at the Government's narrow victory on the legislation.
"This isn't just going to have Westminster beltway people supporting it," he said. "Our aim is to make this into a street event, not just a narrow political one."
Kennedy met Mr Davis on the BBC's Andrew Marr show yesterday and told him he would be happy to visit Mr Davis's Yorkshire constituency and play in support of his bid to repeal the extension of detention without trial for terror suspects.
"We have been talking about getting together and making a bit of music on this issue of people being locked in a Paddington police cell who have done nothing wrong," the violinist said.
Kennedy may headline an event in Haltemprice in the next few weeks, bringing together political, cultural and media critics of the Bill. Mr Davis confirmed that his team would be contacting other prominent critics of the anti-terror measures, including Rory Bremner. Sources at the Davis campaign confirmed veteran Labour MP Tony Benn had pledged to speak in support in a by-election rally if Labour failed to field a candidate against him. Left-wing singer Billy Bragg is also thought to be being sounded out for his support. "No one is out of bounds," said a campaign worker. "This transcends party politics."
The attempts by Mr Davis to lure Labour figures onto his election trail creates a headache for government strategistswho have so far dismissed his actions as a "stunt". If the party fails to field a candidate against him, Labour MPs would not be in defiance of the Whip in expressing support for Mr Davis.
