The expanion of our Police State continues:

"Stop and quiz powers considered
The government is considering giving police officers across the UK 'stop and question' powers under new anti-terror laws, says the Home Office. The proposal, allowing police to ask people about their identity and movement, is among measures being considered by Home Secretary John Reid.

The measure is so far used only in Northern Ireland. Police elsewhere have to have 'reasonable suspicion' a crime has been committed before they can stop people."

And the real kicker, bearing in mind the people stopped may well be completely innocent of any crime:
"Anyone who refuses to co-operate could be charged with obstructing the police and fined up to £5,000, according to the Sunday Times."

BBC NEWS | UK | Stop and quiz powers considered

Technorati tags: Government police state civil liberties

Britain - a Police State? Surely not? Well, in the last three days, we have:

"Police chief's 'Orwellian' fears
A senior police officer has said he fears the spread of CCTV cameras is leading to 'an Orwellian situation'. Deputy chief constable of Hampshire Ian Readhead said Britain could become a surveillance society with cameras on every street corner."
BBC NEWS | UK | Police chief's 'Orwellian' fears

...then we have:

"Brown will not block secrecy bid
Gordon Brown has rejected calls to block a controversial move by MPs to get out of freedom of information laws. MPs pushed the plan closer to becoming law earlier in what critics called a 'shameful day for Parliament'. The MPs say they want to protect private letters from constituents - but critics say the move would also allow them to keep their expenses secret."
BBC NEWS | Politics | Brown will not block secrecy bid

...and now we have:

"Staff asked to 'snoop' for police
Council staff, charity workers and doctors could be required by law to tip off police about anyone they believe could commit a violent crime. The Home Office proposals, leaked to the Times newspaper, insist public bodies have 'valuable information' that could identify potential offenders. Possible warning signs could include heavy drinking, mental health problems or a violent family background. The Tories say the plans would require staff to 'snoop on their customers'."
BBC NEWS | UK | Staff asked to 'snoop' for police

And people wonder where all those ex-Stasi members disappeared when the Wall came down...

Technorati tags: police state Government secrecy freedom of information