People saying changes to the Official Secrets Act represents the 'end of British democracy'.
Are you aware of the already existing Official Secrets Act and its history? Or that Julian Assange is *already* in prison?
Thread (1/5)
There are a hundred other statues, besides the OSA, which forbid the disclosure of valuable state information. In Britain we have no constitutional right to free speech, tho we have some protections under European Law.
(2/5)
What is more we live in one of the most secretive countries in the world. Mi6, as one example, has not disclosed one page of one file since its founding in 1909 (!) Even Russians, for instance, know more about the history of their security services than we do.
(3/5)
Re official secrets act, Ponting Trial is instructive. While he was found not guilty by jury the country's political apparatus wanted blood. The reason for new legislation is media not as easy to control (through enforced self-censorship) as it was during 20th century.
(4/5)
In many ways Britain isn't a democracy, at least not advanced one. New legislation is a step back but its not the mark of a democratic nation moving to tyranny - the simple fact is there are major aspects of the UK state we inherited from imperial, undemocratic apparatus (5/5).
I'll add, if you want to know more 'The History Thieves' by Ian Cobain is hugely informative!
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
This marked Labour turning into a ‘red UKIP’ lamented talented method actor and alt centrist Eddie Marsan. Is it different with Sir Keir, Eddie? I hope so.
You have a former member of the far right at Byline whose schtick was driving division. Byline proceeded to post a video this weekend calling someone a Galloway supporter, insinuating they were part of the campaign, without even going to Galloway for comment. Shame on you.
“Our mission will be successful the minute Keir Starmer has a leadership challenge”
What I found in Batley & Spen was a crumbling Labour vote, broad support for George Galloway & the beginning of organised efforts to stand candidates against Labour. novaramedia.com/2021/06/25/its…
The Galloway campaign has 3 campaign centres, (I’m told) 10 organisers and is better resourced than either Labour or the Tories. His election agent told me last week he thinks there are “no circumstances” under which Labour can retain the constituency.
The idea Galloway has pulled the wool over the eyes of constituents really doesn’t get the anger people have in being taken for granted. What I found was voters, of all colours & creeds, under no illusions about *any* politicians. novaramedia.com/2021/06/25/its…
In the name of ‘anti racism’ Cambridge University Labour club have expelled a BAME student from their executive for disagreeing with the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
Kenneth Stern, the definition’s lead author, wrote ‘it was never intended to be a campus hate speech code’.
Stuff like this is why I, and others, tried to make arguments against it. The IHRA, used as it now is, curtails criticism of Israel and its government.
The fact someone is expelled from an executive for even questioning something?