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Lobby Guide

13 October 2005 - SACC

NATIONAL LOBBY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

October 2005

"The real threat to the life of the nation, in the sense of a people living in accordance with its traditional laws and political values, comes not from terrorism but from laws such as these."
Law Lord Hoffman, 18 December 2004

Why we need to lobby

In October Parliament will vote on new 'anti-terror' powers, all of which should be opposed. These would create new crimes such as statements which 'incite' or 'glorify' terrorism, as well as extend detention without charge to 3 months.

Those proposals extend earlier attacks on human rights and civil liberties. Under the so-called 'war on terror', the UK government has waged illegal wars abroad and systematically terrorised migrant and Muslim communities at home. 'Anti-terror' laws have introduced punishment without trial. They have broadened the definition of terrorism to include normal political activities. They authorize stop-and-searches and even detention in the name of 'suspicion' or 'association' with terrorism. There is no credible evidence that the 'anti-terror' laws have made our lives safer; rather, these laws feed on and perpetuate a politics of fear. Now the government proposes to introduce even more extreme powers.

The Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC) is organizing a national constituency lobby for human rights and civil liberties − against the new proposed 'anti-terror' powers. The lobby is being supported by Scotland Against Criminalising Communities (SACC). We aim to mobilise local organisations and communities to hold MPs accountable for their stance.

What we want:

  1. Stop the politics of fear and state culture of 'suspicion'.
  2. End 'control orders', which impose punishment without trial.
  3. No acceptance of evidence obtained through torture under any conditions.
  4. No extradition of suspects to USA, Algeria and other countries where human rights and freedom from torture are not guaranteed.
  5. Stop criminalising Muslim, refugee and minority communities under the anti-terror laws.
  6. No bans on political organisations and or crimes of 'association' with them.
  7. No further powers that erode civil liberties.
    (See 'United to Protect Our Rights' for a list and details of government proposals.)

What we should demand of MPs:

  • MPs should give a clear indication about their position towards the government's new proposals.
  • We should demand a public undertaking from each MP not to vote for renewal or extension of 'anti-terror' laws at any stage when such legislation comes before the House of Commons.

What you can do:

  1. Send your MP an email message or fax throughwww.faxyourmp.org.uk
  2. Take an active part in the lobby. Book an appointment to see your MP in October or any time convenient.
  3. Contact SACCto tell us about the time and place of any meeting in your constituency, with your contact details, so that this information can be posted on our website.
  4. Raise the human rights and civil liberties issues that most concern you.
  5. Publicise the lobby (in your community, workplace, party, trade union, peace group, women's group, etc.) and ask others to join you for the lobby.
  6. See our call and the Briefing Document on our website to help you make your case.
  7. Join SACC's e-mail list to keep up with latest legal and political developments. - use the sign-up box that appears on most pages of our website