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To: maceng2 who wrote (16667)	11/23/2004 2:09:51 PM
From: maceng2	Respond to of 116555

Blair Denies 'Scaremongering' in Queen's Speech Security Crackdown By Jon Smith, PA Political Editor news.scotsman.com Prime Minister Tony Blair tonight insisted he was not “scaremongering” by putting security at the heart of the Government’s parliamentary programme in the run-up to an expected general election. He said the threats faced from possible al Qaida attacks both here and around the world were real. Mr Blair’s comments came as the Queen’s Speech confirmed Bills to introduce an ID card – voluntary at first, then compulsory – a new FBI-style organised crime agency and other new anti-terrorist measures. A draft Counter-Terrorism Bill is to be published, thought to include possible measures such as no-jury terrorism trials and allowing phone-tapping evidence to be used in court without corroboration for the first time. 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.” The premier later told the Commons: “It’s said these measures are scaremongering but the fact is that the threats faced by the country and every other major country around the world are real.” Both Tory leader Michael Howard and the Liberal Democrats’ Charles Kennedy fought shy of making the charge in the Commons, but outside both parties accused Mr Blair of fostering a climate of fear. Tory co-chairman Dr Liam Fox said: “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.” Liberal Democrat Parliamentary chairman Matthew Taylor added: “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.” The claims from Tories and the Liberal Democrats came after the Queen’s Speech unveiled 32 Bills, a packed programme which Commons Leader Peter Hain admitted would not be fulfilled if there was a May election. “Normally you don’t get any Bills through until well beyond May,” he told reporters. The new crime-fighting force envisaged in the speech – called the Serious Organised Crime Agency, or Soca – will attempt to crack down on drug gangs, people traffickers, major fraudsters and internet paedophiles. 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, introduce stiffer penalties for using mobile phones while driving and a new graduated points system for speeding. There will also be new moves to crack down on drug dealers and criminals found with drugs in their bloodstream. Home Secretary David Blunkett insisted the Government was acting responsibly. He said: “This is not about the politics of fear, but taking sensible and common sense measures to protect people. “These measures will make communities safer and strengthen democracy.” Commons leader Peter Hain also rejected the charge of scaremongering, saying: “It’s not just a security agenda but that’s the dominant one.” He added: “I reject entirely the idea that this is pandering to fear. I think that’s patronising.” Mr Hain said Labour Party consultations across the country had shown people worried about terrorism and crime. He added: “More than eight out of 10 people want ID cards and see that as a commonsense security measure.” He 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, delivered 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. In other measures, 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 to 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. And a European Union Bill will pave the way for a referendum on the proposed European Constitution. Mr Hain would not say whether or not it would include a date for the poll, telling reporters they would have to wait for the publication of the Bill. 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.