This is the first recorded document where a King, previously ruling under a ‘Divine Right’, accepted that his ‘subjects’ had rights, including the right not to be gaoled without trial.

Today however, we see an increasing encroachment upon our civil liberties and individual freedoms. The phrase an ‘Englishman’s home is his castle’ is more than just a quaint phrase. It reflects an historical view that a Government’s writ largely remained outside our ‘ramparts’ and did not extend to personal affairs. In reality this has broken down ever since the end of the last World War with increasing attempts to interfere in our ‘private lives’ or ‘private views’ (should they not conform to the PC of the day).

Technology, whilst a ‘liberating’ force for many individuals is also being used to enslave us too. CCTV, biometric ID cards, communication eavesdropping and monitoring to name just a few developments that will make it increasingly easier for any future Government to turn 1984 into a reality.

The National Liberal Party will continue to expose the steady encroachment of our individual freedoms and civil liberties. Whilst the main political topics of the day; the economy, immigration, Europe and education presently hold the attention of political parties and the media we believe that concern over loss of civil liberties will one day hold everyone’s attention.

END

15/06/09