September 1, 2014 9.58 am
This story is over 110 months old
Terrorism is a nonsense excuse for DRIP
A cloak and dagger exercise: The government insists the Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill (DRIP) is vital to the security of the nation, but Pete Dixon argues it’s excessively intrusive.
When was the last time the people, buildings or streets of this nation were savaged by an act of terrorism? The last one to my knowledge was the shocking murder on a Woolwich street in May 2013 of Guardsman Lee Rigby. Before that, according to Wikipedia it was a lone ” Islamist extremist” in Exeter in 2008 and before that, June 2007 for the Glasgow Airport bombing. In Exeter, only the would be perpetrator was injured and in Glasgow there were no fatalities or serious injuries suffered.
Thankfully, most of us, the people we know, the people they know, and the people they know, will never ever witness the atrocity of a successful act of terrorism.
There’s more chance of being struck by lightning and then knocked down by a bus when you get up again than being caught up in an act of terrorism.
Apart from creating the need to manufacture and sell arms, why do our leaders constantly overplay the threat? Why do they use the fear of child stalking paedophiles to cajole us into meekly accepting a law that allows politicians, with cross party support, to store our personal communications over a minimum 12 month period, and be available to wholly inappropriate bodies for examination if considered necessary?
The government insists that its excessively intrusive Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Bill (DRIP) is vital to the security of the nation. Made law on July 17, why was this bill rushed through parliament despite having been struck down by the European Court of Justice in April this year as a disproportionate abuse of our basic rights?
Liberty, the leading rights and freedoms group in our country has challenged the government’s assertion that emergency legislation is required and argues that DRIP ignores the EU Court of Justice judgement that neutralized the Data Retention Regulations 2009 and in fact reintroduces wide ranging new powers that were proposed and rejected in the Draft Communications Data Bill.
“If you’ve got nothing to hide you’ve got nothing to fear”. What nonsense, this argument repeatedly peddled by those who seek greater control over us. We all have things we want to keep private.
What if someone wanted to expose fraudulent behaviour, or a product or process that is found to be responsible for a rise in childhood tumours or environmental damage? Who can they discuss it with or take advice from knowing their communications are stored and available to anyone with the right connections? What about those of us who are trade unionists, campaigning for the rights of others against the poor practices of a corporate employer.
This law isn’t about protecting the citizens of the United Kingdom from terrorists. It isn’t about protecting our children from sexual predators. It’s a cloak and dagger exercise with the government of the day serving the corporate desire to exert greater control over us.
The recent Gagging Law which effectively prevents civil society and opposition groups campaigning against government policy in the run up to an election, has now been backed up by a law, rushed through parliament with total disregard for the democratic process, that enables the powerful elite to access private conversations and communications made by anyone they consider to be a threat.
DRIP will enable, and will be used in the corporate interest to monitor the activities, not only of so called radical protest groups but also civil society. Charities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), who on a daily basis are struggling to help the most vulnerable in our communities cope with political dogma that frowns upon their very existence, will struggle to run brand damaging campaigns against inequality and social injustice. The end of the wedge gets thicker by the day!
Pete Dixon is a town councillor for Moor ward in North Hykeham, a member of the Green Party and Chair of the local branch. He works for the NHS at Lincoln County Hospital. Father of a young daughter, he's also a keen biker and enjoys watching Moto GP or a glass of Islay malt.
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Residents, visitors, and traders have expressed their disappointment following the cancellation of the beloved Lincoln Christmas Market, on what would have been the inaugural day of this year’s four-day event.
Although the poor weather might have deterred some people, the city’s Bailgate area was notably quiet around 12pm on Thursday, typically the time the event usually opens its doors.
Although Lincoln’s famous Christmas Market is no more this year, and won’t be opening today, there are still alternative festive events happening in Lincoln.
City of Lincoln Council’s decision to cancel the 40-year-old event over safety concerns prompted backlash from people and business but, despite pleas from opposition members, its leaders would not change their stance.
There are, however, still some events in Lincoln to get you in the festive mood this week, including these highlights:
Christmas Market at County Assembly Rooms
The County Assembly Rooms in the Bailgate will still hold its own Christmas Market that it has done for many years.
Manager Gill Hunter said stallholders had already pre-booked and 70% still wanted to do it despite the cancellation of the city’s 40-year-old Christmas Market in uphill Lincoln.
There will be a range of festive stalls, food, drinks and performers when it opens at the following times:
Thursday, December 7 (4pm-9pm)
Friday, December 8 (10am-9pm)
Saturday, December 9 (10am-9pm)
Sunday, December 10 (10am-7pm)
This coincides with the free parking at selected city council car parks in uphill Lincoln on Thursday and Friday. This is available at these car parks: Westgate 1,2,3, St Pauls, Castle Hill, The Lawn, and Langworthgate
The bar at The County Assembly Rooms will be serving hot chocolate, festive sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and more. There will also be a brewery selling bottle ale and roasted hot chestnuts will also be available to buy.
Lincoln Castle Illuminated
Lincoln Castle Illuminated will run from Friday, December 8 until Saturday, December 23.
The Castle grounds will be bejewelled with festive lights and illuminated Christmas features. You can take a drip down Candy Cane Lane and also see the resident Castle dragons Lucy and Norman.
The Castle has retained its popular Illuminated Wall Walk, but the lift is currently out of action so it can only be accessed via the spiral staircase.
You can also board the ‘Mini Polar Express’ and enjoy traditional fairground rides.
In addition, there will be local vendors offering sweet treats and winter warmers, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Dog friendly evenings will take place on December 13 and 20.
The full Lincoln Castle Illuminated experience costs £11 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for children, and £28 for family tickets. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the grounds only for £3 per head (free for under 5s).
Festive fun at Lincoln Cathedral
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting an array of festive events this month, including during what would have been the Christmas Market period.
Crafters market in the Cloisters – December 8 and 9 (10.30am-4.30pm)
Nativity Crafts – December 9 (10am-3.30pm)
London Concertante: Christmas at the Movies – December 9 (7.30pm). Ticket prices range from £33.99 to £47.72
‘After Hours’: Walking towards Christmas – December 10 (6.45pm)
Winter Market at Lincoln Museum
Lincoln Museum on Danes Terrace is holding a Winter Market on Saturday, December 9, which has been organised by Shelf Editions.
There will also be workshops to take part in including metal wreath (£45) and felt decoration (£15) making, which can be booked via the museum’s website.
For the younger visitors there is also a free drop-in Calendar wreath craft session with the Elbow Room Collective.
Entry to the market is free from 10am-4pm with the cafe serving a festive menu from 11am-3pm.
Lincoln Ice Trail
Lincoln Ice Trail will run from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10.
There will be 20 Lincoln-themed ice sculptures to find – you can pick up a map of the trail from the Visitor Information Centre.
In addition, there will be festive entertainment, as well as live-ice carving demonstrations of the Cathedral.
The Travelling Historical Christmas Market
Although this event is next week, The Travelling Historical Christmas Market offers another festive alternative for people in Lincoln.
The free event will take place at St Mary le Wigford Church on St Mary’s Street between December 14 and 17 at the following times: