Leveller

Then and Now

In answer to a question from Christopher Price MP, Home Secretary Merlyn Rees said that under the control of the Metropolitan Police there are nine closed-circuit television cameras on fixed sites used mainly for crowd and traffic control.

Mr Rees added: "The Home Office has asked chief officers to satisfy themselves that the use of surveillance equipment is justified in all circumstances and is authorised at an appropriately senior level in the force. Chief officers are well aware of the sensitivity of material obtained in this way’.

Hansard 27/11/1978

Surveillance not to be used to catch litter droppers

Council leaders have been warned this week to stop using surveillance equipment to crack down on “trivial” matters such as “dog fouling and littering”.

In a letter sent to councils this week, Sir Simon Milton, Conservative chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA) called on authorities to undertake an urgent review of surveillance operations carried out under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The letter stated that powers in the Act should only be used after “careful consideration” and that the required operations are “necessary and proportionate to prevent or detect a criminal offence”, as stipulated in the Act

Don’t get me wrong I thoroughly dislike the Conservatives, which is why I am appalled that this pig’s arse of a Government has allowed them to start sounding OK.

Credits:
Gordon Brown by World Econonic Forum
Audio David Davis MP

JPBR-1707-3-B World Bank

Originally uploaded by
World Bank Photo Collection

Ten days ago news was released of the discovery of a tribe of Amzonian Indians in rainforest in the state of Acre in Western Brazil.

The last tribe to be contacted were the Murunahua tribe in neighbouring Peru, 50% of which subsequently died of colds and other illnesses.

With modern society on their doorstep the clock cannot be turned back, but they should be allowed the time and space to decide how and when they will interact with the 21st century. To that end they need to be protected from loggers, gas and oil speculators, and Evangelical Christians.

Three years ago I was listening to a speaker from Zimbabwe at a meeting of the local cities International Friendship Group. The Speaker was prepared to talk about the Zimbabwe landscape and people, but not the political situation as they were in fear of reprisals from the Zimbabwe Security Forces.

This is for them.

Credits:
Mugabe – Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock (USAF)
Napoleon – Dirkstoop.
Sound Effects – Partners In Rhyme
Report – Christian Fraser