One step too far the nanny state
Posted by Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, at 13:43, Fri 25 September 2009:
Government intrusion into the lives of ordinary people took a step too far last week with the cack-handed announcement of plans to vet millions of good people working with children.
No-one disputes the need to protect our children from predatory criminals. But the powers given to the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to vet the suitability of people to work with children or vulnerable adults are completely disproportionate to the risk.
The poorly defined proposals left serious concerns that as many as 11 million adults may be required to be vetted and monitored - even for simply giving regular lifts to children as part of a school run or local football club.
Earlier this year the Information Commissioner warned that there is a danger the UK will 'sleepwalk into a surveillance society'. Government should not need to store more and more of our personal information, unless absolutely necessary.
Why not? Well in the very recent past we have clear evidence of the loss of personal details of virtually every family in the country. Personal details have gone missing of thousands of learner drivers, prison officers, and servicemen.
Government databases are needed but should only proliferate to manage specific risks and data should be retained when the public has confidence it can be stored securely. For example do not believe it is right for DNA details of over a million people who have never been convicted of a crime, to continue to be stored on the National DNA database, especially as these include thousands of innocent children.
I support the intent behind the ISA, but it urgently needs sorting out to ensure it protects those at risk, rather than blanketing everyone as a potential threat. Ill thought out vetting and monitoring will switch people off from helping do such valuable work.
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Posted by tony phillips, 15:56, Fri 25 September 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
I agree with the concerns of Mr Dunne but, I further state that this Labour/communist government is the enemy of the people of Britain. Since they came to power they have set about to destroy our freedoms and democracy itself utilising Communitarian principles on the orders of Brussels. It is a fact that if they continue in power the personal details and DNA of every man, woman and child will be stored in the computers of the European Superstate.
Posted by ian collett, 19:20, Sun 27 September 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
The main problem as I see it is that we have a growing army of 'pen pushers' keeping themselves in work by producing increasing amounts of pointless paper work. Why send a letter when with a little effort, you can turn it into a forest of letters and replies all needing answers and further monitoring and even overtime to cope with.
Posted by tony phillips, 08:29, Mon 28 September 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Ian, I think that the problem is what you say but, I think it is also very sinister not only from the point of view of the European Superstate forcing it's views on all members and peoples, but the Labour government has relinquished power and all responsibility whilst working secretly to hand over all control and power to Brussels, we in Britain are now living in a police state where national identity and patriotism are dirty words, if Labour get into power at the next election we are definately finished as a credible democracy.