Lib Dems attack 'panic legislation'

12 April 2012

The Liberal Democrats have attacked the Government's law and order policies as "deeply illiberal" saying terrorism could not be defeated by "panic legislation".

Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg set out the case for reclaiming liberal values for the nation under a new Great Repeal Act.

Mr Clegg condemned Labour and the Tories and said the Lib Dems were the only party that could offer "justice and humanity" to create a "safer, fairer, more Liberal Britain."

He told the party conference in Brighton that while people were fearful of terrorism, it could not be "quelled by a torrent of panic legislation, by knee-jerk announcements from one Home Secretary after another".

The Home Office had been condemned to "relentless legislative hyperactivity, married to dismal administrative incompetence."

He said his message for Home Secretary John Reid was: "Do less, but do it better."

And he said the party should be proud to have "stood firm" over ID cards, the "dismantling" of the Human Rights Act and over the Government's earlier wish to imprison terror suspects for 90 days without charge.

Mr Clegg also warned that the Conservative Party, led by "Citizen Dave" would not rescue Britain from the "assault" on British justice and humanity.

He accused them of "flip-flopping" on ID cards, adding: "Muted comment on extradition and rendition. Exploiting immigration. Support for an illegal war."

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