Author: croydonconstitutionalists

India: A democracy rising.

By Mike Swadling

“the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box”

With a 20 mile stretch of golden sand, a shallow continental shelf allowing you to walk far into the Arabian Sea, a dry heat and beach bars every few hundred yards my spot in Goa wasn’t a place to be thinking about politics.  

However, go about a mile inland and flags, boards and posters start to pop up for the Aam Aadmi Party, the Revolutionary Goans Party, Congress, a selection of BJP candidates, and even graffiti about the Portuguese (Goa used to be a Portuguese colony).  As well as a likely general election in the UK and the Presidential election in the US, the world’s largest democracy and country, India is going to the ballot box.

No signs of revolution on the beach as long as the Peoples Lager kept flowing.

“The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence”

The election is dominated by two main groups the BJP led ‘National Democratic Alliance’ and Congress led ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’.  The Indian National Congress is the traditional party of power in India having held the position of Prime Minister for 54 of the 77 years since independence.  The Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian People’s Party) was formed in 1980 and is the current party of power being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Whilst no Pakistani PM has ever completed a full-term, India has had many peaceful transitions of power.  Not that India has been devoid from political violence, far from it.  But this is a nation of 780 spoken languages (23 official), from four major language families, with 1.4 billion people, and 5 religions with over 8 million followers, it is amazing India functions as a democracy at all.  For all its challenges function it does.

Not often you see anti-Portuguese graffiti.

I turned to Nimit Shishodia to explain some of the main differences between the main party’s:

BJP

  • Right-wing ideology: Aligned with Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology, emphasizing cultural nationalism and a strong central government.
  • Economic focus: Leans towards privatization and economic liberalization, attracting support from sections of the middle class and business community.
  • Social positions: Often takes conservative stances on social issues, appealing to traditional values and rural communities.

Congress

  • Centre-left ideology: Advocates for secularism and social welfare programs, historically drawing support from diverse groups, including minorities and lower-income populations.
  • Economic approach: Promotes a mixed economy with government intervention in key sectors, appealing to working-class voters and some sections of the middle class.
  • Social positions: Generally, takes more progressive stances on social issues, aligning with urban and younger demographics.

Important Caveats:

  • Both parties have diverse internal factions with varying viewpoints.
  • Their policies and stances evolve over time and in response to political realities.
  • There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups.

Nimit’s last point that “There’s significant overlap in their voter bases, with both parties drawing support from various social and economic groups” is perhaps the most significant.  Functioning democracies require people to be able to change who they are voting for, not just vote based on identity.

“Modi is widely expected to win again”

The election will take place between April and May to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) each coalition has 20+ party’s.  The country has 8 recognised national parties, 55 state parties, and 2,597 unrecognised parties.  It’s fair to say everyone has a point of view.  Modi is widely expected to win again.  I wrote briefly about a debate at the Battle of Ideas on Indian Politics, giving lots of background in an easily digestible way, you can listen to it at: Understanding Modi’s India – Battle of Ideas.

“I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free”

“the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’”

Why does all this matter?  Democracy’s support and advance human freedom, something we should all want.  Democracies promote general economic growth and their citizens wellbeing, and democracies don’t tend to ever go to war with each other.  In a world reverting to a more multi polar state, quite apart from the benefits to its own people, I want the 5th biggest economy, and most populous country to be democratic and free.

We should all be thankful this massive country and significant power is a democracy and the people of India benefit from that basic enabler of liberty the ability to ‘kick the buggers out’ when the party of power no longer meets the people’s needs. 

Nick Davies, Reform UK candidate for North Bedfordshire

Nick Davies is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North Bedfordshire.  We spoke with Nick about his decision to stand.

“despite government statistics, crime appears to be on the increase in Bedfordshire, especially Burglary and breaking into commercial vehicles”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Nick Davies and as a member of Reform UK and as a prospective parliamentary candidate, my aim is to fight the Conservative and Labour parties in the coming election. They have both had their chance at improving life for the British people and have both failed miserably. In fact, they have only made things a whole lot worse and shown a flagrant disregard for the will of the people.

What do you see as the big concerns for North Bedfordshire and what issues do you hope to champion?

I have lived in North Bedfordshire for five years, and If elected, I will listen to and act positively on the concerns of the people of North Bedfordshire, notably, unnecessary housing developments in villages, potholed roads which not only damage vehicles but are extremely dangerous, in particular to cyclists and motor cyclists, especially during night time.  Also, despite government statistics, crime appears to be on the increase in Bedfordshire, especially Burglary and breaking into commercial vehicles. This, of course, is not only a local problem, but crime, including knife crimes, murder and rape are a serious national problem.

“How many times have we heard of serious offenders being released only to commit further heinous crimes. We are constantly told, “lessons will be learned,” they never are!”

As a nation, we have so many issues that need addressing most urgently. I’ve already mentioned serious violent crime, but the justice system as a whole needs total reform, with tougher sentences, as do parole boards. How many times have we heard of serious offenders being released only to commit further heinous crimes. We are constantly told, “lessons will be learned,” they never are! I vow to fight for proper justice and reformation of the entire system, including judges.

The unsustainable influx of immigrants, legal and illegal is unacceptable. We must leave the ECHR with immediate effect and reform the Border Force. No illegal immigrants should ever be allowed to set foot on British soil. They are breaking the law plain and simple and must be stopped.

In conclusion, I will fight for the British people and the British way of life and its culture. Wokeism has no place in our society.

” volunteers are absolutely essential to our cause, so please, if you can offer help in delivering leaflets or making a donation”

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

We must get the message of Reform UK to voters. To do this, volunteers are absolutely essential to our cause, so please, if you can offer help in delivering leaflets or making a donation, it will be greatly appreciated.

You can contact me using the methods below. Thank you.

Richard Langridge, Reform UK candidate for Witney

Richard Langridge is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Witney.  We spoke with Richard about his decision to stand.

“I have been a Councillor here for 16 years as a District Councillor and County Councillor. I have loved every minute of it. It is fantastic being able to help people in a huge number of ways”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Richard Langridge, and I am the PPC for Reform UK in the Witney Constituency. I live in Witney with my Wife, Alexandra, and have lived in the Constituency all my life. I have run my own Accountancy business for the last 27 years.

I have been a Councillor here for 16 years as a District Councillor and County Councillor. I have loved every minute of it. It is fantastic being able to help people in a huge number of ways, and also helping shape the area that you live in.

During most of my time as a District Councillor, I served on the Council’s Cabinet with roles including Leisure and Tourism, Economic Development, Environmental issues and Finance.

I was a Conservative Councillor for a lot of my time, but became an Independent for the last 5 years as I realised that The Conservative Party could no longer be said to be Conservative in any meaningful sense. Being Independent also meant that I could serve my residents without having to conform to Party diktats and policies.

I was also the Conservative Constituency Chairman here, working closely with our Member of Parliament, David Cameron, whilst he was Prime Minister. This was a fascinating experience, and I learned so much about the Constituency, and working at a high level of Government. I was also lucky enough to go to Number 10 and Chequers.

“I am a passionate believer in Freedom – both free speech and the ability to get on with our lives, unfettered by the State. Freedom is not a given- you have to continually fight for it”

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

It has become clear to me that the Conservatives no longer stand for the values I believe in. I was a lifelong Conservative, but, like many, they no longer represent the views and ethos that they did in the past. I am afraid you can no longer tell Labour and the Conservatives apart in many ways.

In my opinion, Parliament has become undemocratic and totally detached from the views of the majority of people it is meant to serve.

Debate has been shut down in so many areas such as climate and appallingly, Covid and the dreadful consequences of unneeded lockdowns that were forced on us with no debate permitted. This all powerful state control is a huge danger to all of us.

In particular, I am a passionate believer in Freedom – both free speech and the ability to get on with our lives, unfettered by the State. Freedom is not a given- you have to continually fight for it.

Only Reform UK stands for the Freedom I believe in, and has the Policies our Country so desperately needs, and only Reform UK can take our Country out of the mess it is currently in.

I believe that Reform UK have the values, ethics and policies to take our Country forward into a positive and exciting future – a Country that values traditions and history, alongside a strong sense of diversity and inclusivity, with a love of Liberty alongside responsibility. 

Our Country desperately needs a change from the socialist light consensus and “woke” ideology that has strangled Britain. Only Reform UK has the vision and determination to bring this about.

You’re the Spokesman for Witney what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have lived in the Constituency all my life and feel very strongly that it is important to represent the area you know and care about.

Having been David Cameron’s Constituency Chairman here, I think it is interesting that I would now represent Reform UK. I should be one of the last people to change to Reform from the Tories, and it underlines how far the Conservatives have fallen.

“all areas are suffering from the cost of living crisis brought about by the Government’s failed Economic policies and their unquestioning dash for net zero- whatever the consequences for people’s lives”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Of course, all areas are suffering from the cost of living crisis brought about by the Government’s failed Economic policies and their unquestioning dash for net zero- whatever the consequences for people’s lives. We must return to a high growth/low tax economy and start to have an honest discussion about climate change, and the truth behind it.

Housing is a massive issue here. Of course we need housing, but it must be in the right place and have broad local support. It should be primarily for local people to live in.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more about Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/.  I would be absolutely delighted to hear from anyone who wants to get involved in my Campaign. I can be contacted on [email protected] and on Facebook at ReformUK Witney.

Shaun Long, SDP Candidate for Penrith and Solway

Shaun Long is the SDP prospective candidate for Penrith and Solway.  We spoke with Shaun about his decision to stand.

“As for higher education, well, I’m glad to be out of it; it’s become too politicised, as has the whole of the public sector”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I live in the Eden Valley where I work as an English tutor. I’ve had a wide variety of jobs over the years, from window cleaning to factory work and higher education, and have never taken anything for granted as you never know what life might throw at you. As for higher education, well, I’m glad to be out of it; it’s become too politicised, as has the whole of the public sector. Outside of work, I enjoy wandering the fells with my wife, and dabbling with creative writing. I’m also a local parish councillor.

“Without the nation-state there can be no democracy, and the SDP believes wholeheartedly in both, unlike the establishment parties”

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

Like most people, I assumed until a couple of years ago that the SDP was dead and buried until I stumbled upon its website and read its ‘New Declaration’. I was blown away, for here was a document, and a party, articulating my views on what should be our economic and social priorities. It chimes perfectly with my positions on all of the major political issues: an interventionist approach to the economy; an end to mass immigration; the assertion of national sovereignty in defiance of globalism; a robust defence of free speech; and a rational social conservatism. Without the nation-state there can be no democracy, and the SDP believes wholeheartedly in both, unlike the establishment parties which believe in open borders.

Politicians these days act as if the people are accountable to them, rather than them to the people. I’m determined to put the everyday concerns of the majority ahead of those of either elite interests or shrill pressure groups.

You’re the spokesman for Penrith and Solway. What’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have my home here, and I love it. I want to see this constituency and its people thrive, rather than merely survive. So far as I can see, none of the establishment political parties possess any real concern for the area.

“Both central government and the two local councils are determined to drive through Net Zero policies without taking into account the realities of heating older rural homes”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

Many of them are the same as for people elsewhere – the cost of living, housing and immigration – but some are more specific to Penrith and Solway. Much of the constituency is rural, and thus many homes are off-grid. Both central government and the two local councils are determined to drive through Net Zero policies without taking into account the realities of heating older rural homes which are not suitable for heat pumps. Boilers fuelled by oil or LPG, or sometimes solid-fuel stoves, are essential for domestic heating. Even so, these authorities are determined to phase them out, whereas I am determined to fight for their continued and affordable usage. Excess cold, not heat, causes early deaths and illness in Cumbria.

Similarly, I wish to champion Cumbrian farming, particularly livestock farming, which is also coming under attack from our political class at the national and local levels, obsessed as it is with its pursuit of Net Zero at all costs to the detriment of food production. It’s dangerous and wrongheaded, and undermines rural livelihoods and communities. Cumbrian beef and lamb are second to none. Our farmers need our active help and support.

For those eager to help, how can the get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/.

If you would like to get involved with the SDP campaign in Penrith and Solway, or have any issues that you’d like to discuss, then please do contact me at: [email protected].

You can also follow me on X – @sdpShaun.

Rachel Hayton, SDP candidate for Carlisle

Rachel Hayton is the SDP prospective candidate for Carlisle.  We spoke with Rachel about her decision to stand.

“I have been involved in civil society locally, serving as a magistrate for 19 years and leading a small community choir in Talkin”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Rachel Hayton, I am the wife of Paul, mother of Tim and Charlie and step mum to Jennie and Will. I live in Faugh and have been in and around the Brampton area since 2001. I came to Carlisle as a single woman in 1995 to join the Careers Service. I am originally from Staffordshire and it is possible to catch the occasional Midlands twang in my accent. I retrained in the early 2000s through the Open University and Newcastle University and have worked full time as an Educational Psychologist since 2009.

I have been involved in civil society locally, serving as a magistrate for 19 years and leading a small community choir in Talkin.    

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I found myself politically homeless after the referendum in 2016.  I like the SDP policies. I support the focus on security, food security, energy security, national security and secure borders. I like the hopefulness that the SDP has for ordinary people; that if given a level playing field with nationally owned infrastructure, we can build opportunities in our communities that will benefit everyone.

I hate the cronyism and corruption that seems to be endemic in our politics at the moment, I don’t trust those governing for the vocal minorities and vested interests, lobby groups and global corporations.

“I am proud to be British, I love our history, our belief in freedom of expression, fairness and tolerance”

I believe that a whole swathe, possibly a majority, of British people has no one prepared to speak up for Britian’s accomplishments in the world. I am proud to be British, I love our history, our belief in freedom of expression, fairness and tolerance and our quirkiness.

I agree with the SDPs policies and feel that they offer hope for the future for our young people, for families and for people who still believe that they will be treated fairly by their elected representatives. The SDP prioritises the views of the electorate and not lobby groups, trades unions or unelected supranational bodies. I believe that this is democracy.  

“I met my husband in Carlisle queuing for lunch at Cecil’s Treat in Cecil Street, my children went to schools in the constituency; Castle Carrock and William Howard”

You’re the Spokesman for Carlisle what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have lived in this area longer than I have lived anywhere else, (almost 30 years), and I love it here. I met my husband in Carlisle queuing for lunch at Cecil’s Treat in Cecil Street, my children went to schools in the constituency; Castle Carrock and William Howard; one completed an apprenticeship through Carlisle College and the other is still at university. I have a grandchild in Longtown. I may be an ‘off-comer’ but I am embedded within the constituency. Social Democrats are committed to supporting the family, community and nation, I want to offer the people of Carlisle the opportunity to choose to vote for someone who is not part of the LibLabConGreen uniparty, who will listen to them and represent their views openly and honestly.

“We need young people to stay and grow our community with entrepreneurial ideas and contributing to society”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I see the decline of the city centre in Carlisle- shops have closed down and businesses moved out leaving empty unsightly buildings. At the moment there is a lot of cosmetic redevelopment going on around the station and the city centre but what is being done to attract people into the city? I would want to support and challenge the city council and county council to bring the city back to life. We also need to work to provide homes, jobs and training opportunities for young people and families who want to make Carlisle their home. Often these are people who grew up here but cannot find appropriate work or housing and have to look further afield. We need young people to stay and grow our community with entrepreneurial ideas and contributing to society. 

Although the constituency is ‘Carlisle’ there are also other towns; Brampton and Longtown with their own identities and their own concerns. I would like to hear from residents about the issues they face. Similarly for our villages and rural areas, Carlisle is a mixed constituency and the MP needs to work for everybody.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

The SDP does not have big corporate donors, we rely on people joining our party and, if you can, making small donations. If you would like to find out more about us visit www.sdp.org.uk to see our policies and read our New Declaration. Please do get in touch with me [email protected] if there’s anything you think I should be focusing on or if you would like to offer help in the forthcoming general election campaign.

Alex Zychowski, Libertarian Party candidate for North-East Hampshire

Alex Zychowski is the Libertarian Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North-East Hampshire.  We spoke with Alex about his decision to stand.

“the State’s hideous response to the Covid-19 pandemic finally removed any doubt about the dangers we face and the immediate need for action”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a teacher living in Hampshire. Besides politics, my interests include country walks, football and reading. I was born in London and am of Polish descent.

What made you decide to stand for the Libertarian Party?

In recent years individual liberty has become increasingly under threat, not just from our politicians but from advances in surveillance technology and censorship of speech online. For me, the State’s hideous response to the Covid-19 pandemic finally removed any doubt about the dangers we face and the immediate need for action. This is why I have decided to stand as a candidate for the Libertarian Party.

“it is of vital importance to preserve the rural character of the constituency”

You’re the Spokesman for North-East Hampshire what’s made you decide to represent this area?

I have made my home in North-East Hampshire and have fallen completely in love with the peace and nature that can be found here. As such I oppose housing developments that have been forced upon local residents by central government’s poor planning.

“the Hampshire Constabulary’s recent trialling of retrospective facial recognition technology such Orwellian tools can be afforded no place here”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

As mentioned above it is of vital importance to preserve the rural character of the constituency. This involves not only opposing the mass construction of low-quality new build housing estates, but maintaining the vitality of our waterways.

I note that the incumbent in North-East Hampshire has twice voted in favour of lockdown restrictions. Such treason against the individual cannot go unpunished at the ballot box. Perhaps of even greater concern is the Hampshire Constabulary’s recent trialling of retrospective facial recognition technology such Orwellian tools can be afforded no place here.

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more about the Libertarian Party at https://libertarianpartyuk.com/ and find my announcement article at https://libertarianpartyuk.com/ne-hampshire-ppc-announced/.

You can also follow me on Twitter @alexzychowski or email me at [email protected].

Jonathan Thackray, Reform UK candidate for Dewsbury and Batley

Jonathan Thackray is the Reform UK Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dewsbury and Batley.  We spoke with Jonathan about his decision to stand.

“there is a real need for a new party to the right of British politics as the Conservatives shift to the left”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am a local lad, who has had enough of the status quo: high debt, high migration both legal and illegal, useless public services from our broke NHS to our woke Police who’d rather police words than police crime.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I joined Reform just over a year ago as it was the only political party that was willing to take on the establishment. I made the decision to put my head above the parapet not long after, as I was taught from a young age to fight for what I believe in and what I believe in is the Reform UK message. Additionally, the political climate we find ourselves in has meant that there is a real need for a new party to the right of British politics as the Conservatives shift to the left while pretending to be Conservative with their ‘catchy’ slogans. I believe we at Reform UK will fill the void and I think it’s clear to see by looking at our rampant rise in the polls.

“At Reform UK we have a clear message that we need to make work pay, as for too many people it does not pay to work as they could be financially better off on out of work benefits”

You’re the spokesperson for Dewsbury and Batley what’s made you decide to represent this area?

As I have already touched upon, I am local to the area and have spent a lot of time in both Dewsbury and Batley. But the main reason I decided to represent Dewsbury and Batley is because in my view it is one of the most mistreated constituencies in the country, mistreated by both Westminster and the local Kirklees Council. Furthermore, Mark Eastwood (Current Conservative MP for Dewsbury) and Kim Leadbetter (Current Labour MP for Batley & Spen) due to the remapping of the constituency have decided to run elsewhere so I feel there is a good chance to get in and try and make real meaningful change for the people of Dewsbury and Batley.

“Labour led Kirklees Council, over the past few months they have been planning closures across the board from leisure centres to care homes”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

One of my biggest concerns is that in Dewsbury and Batley just under half of our constituents are economically inactive, this is a huge problem. But unfortunately, this has been completely ignored by the government and it certainly looks like to me that they simply aren’t bothered about getting people off benefits and into work. At Reform UK we have a clear message that we need to make work pay, as for too many people it does not pay to work as they could be financially better off on out of work benefits. One policy which I will certainly be championing is lifting the minimum income tax threshold from £12,571 per annum to £20,000 this will free up 6 million people from paying income tax which amounts to approximately 1 in 5 taxpayers.

Another one of my biggest concerns is the Labour led Kirklees Council, over the past few months they have been planning closures across the board from leisure centres to care homes, they have backtracked on most of their planned closures due to the public outrage. However, there is no doubt in my mind that cuts will soon be forthcoming as they have manged to rack up a £47 million deficit due to their wasteful spending and the Conservatives poor economic management which has left everyone worse off.  

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

Anyone can volunteer on our website, using this link https://www.reformparty.uk/volunteer-and-help their local candidate will then be in touch with details about how they can help when needed. Alternatively, volunteers can contact their local candidate via email.

I’d be very grateful for any support to help me in my campaign, anyone who wishes to contact me can send me an email at [email protected] I appreciate all whom email me and I do my best to respond in a reasonable time. You can also follow me on X at https://twitter.com/JRThackray. Alternatively, you can donate to my GoFundMe https://gofund.me/ee656d3c. 

I would like to thank all those who have read this article. 

Live Facial Recognition – A nightmare for criminals or for freedom?

By Mike Swadling

Trials are underway across the country of Live Facial Recognition technology allowing Police to scan crowds for known criminals.  These trials have taken place in Croydon town centre among other places.  The MP just across the border in Croydon South is Chris Philp the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, and my local MP wrote to residents about the trials.

Chris’ note describes how the software works.

“LFR starts with a “watchlist” of images of people who are wanted for serious offences or who are wanted by the Court for failing to attend a criminal hearing. A camera is then set up by Police in a location with high footfall, and advanced facial recognition software is used to see if anyone walking past matches one of the images on the watchlist”

“I admit to having been in some conflict, not losing too much sleep over the criminal arrests, but worrying of the civil liberty implications”

According to a Croydon Guardian article of the 10th February, the software has led to 45 arrests.  As someone who has seen the sharp increase in crime in Croydon, and people staying away from the town centre in recent years, what’s not to like? Well…

A couple of friends recently ask my thoughts on the civil liberties implications and if it is just an extension of CCTV cameras everywhere.  I admit to having been in some conflict, not losing too much sleep over the criminal arrests, but worrying of the civil liberty implications and how the technology might be used in the future. 

“Is it the same as a Police Officer walking down the street and recognising a known criminal or is it more like a house search?”

The obvious point with any new technology is once we have it, we can’t uninvent it.  Whishing it would go away isn’t realistic, so the best option is to work out how we use it.  How to use Live Facial Recognition?  I believe we should look at how we police today and see what template the technology best fits into.  Is it the same as a Police Officer walking down the street and recognising a known criminal or is it more like a house search?

We have templates for these.  In the case of a Police officer recognising you in the street, to arrest you they must meet the following criteria.

“To arrest you the police need reasonable grounds to suspect you’re involved in a crime for which your arrest is necessary. The police have powers to arrest you anywhere and at any time, including on the street, at home or at work.”

Whereas the power to search your house (although with some time specific exceptions), requires additional judicial sign-off.

“If the police want to search a property, they must usually get a search warrant from the court first. In the application, the police must prove to the court that there are reasonable grounds for the warrant.”

Stop and Search powers lie somewhere in between these.  The interpretation of the law changes and the way stop and search has been carried out in recent years, has seen wildly varying numbers of searches.

Number of stop and searches performed by the police in England and Wales from 2001/02 to 2022/23

Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/284599/police-pace-stop-and-searches-in-england-and-wales/

Likewise in the UK wiretapping requires judicial approval.

“Without a warrant, the police cannot listen to a person’s phone conversations, unless one of the parties to a phone conversation consents to the use of a wiretap. Any information they gather without a warrant and without consent cannot be used against a defendant in a criminal trial.”

“scanning peoples faces to see if they match a watchlist goes a significant step further than seeing you acting suspiciously”

So where does Live Facial Recognition fit within these templates.  Clearly this is a matter of opinion, but it does seem to me that scanning peoples faces to see if they match a watchlist goes a significant step further than seeing you acting suspiciously or having reasonable grounds to suspect you’re involved in a crime. 

As a general view it seems the use of Live Facial Recognition is more akin to a search.  Therefore, if it is used in the street a judge should be needed to sign it off for a specific purpose.  Examples could be, Police think there will be trouble at a specific football match, and it is used to search only for known football hooligans, or there has been increased gang violence in an area and it is used to search only for known gang members wanted for crimes.  This would mean not giving Police the power to just use the technology in a given high street on the off chance that they can arrest some people. 

However, it does seem reasonable that it is used in some places you would expect Police to act.  This could be in Police stations to identify suspects, in courts, at the border, where you should be carrying a passport already, the systems could permanently run.

“we should panic, a bit, not overly so, but it is reasonable to assume the Police will abuse this power without some constraint”

What about all the criminals that won’t be caught?  Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, is quoted to have said people “don’t need to panic”.  In the last couple of weeks we have seen police tell a “Christian singer on Oxford Street that she is ‘not allowed’ to perform ‘church songs outside of church grounds’”, only a few years ago police had to “ apologise for telling family they weren’t allowed in their own front garden”, whilst elsewhere there were using drones to “chase Peak District ramblers”.  Police have in recent times treated different groups protesting in central London very differently, so much so that the then Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote as summarised in Spiked that the “Metropolitan Police must be ‘even-handed’ in their approach to protests. She warned that there is now a ‘perception that senior police officers play favourites’”.  In short, yes we should panic, a bit, not overly so, but it is reasonable to assume the Police will abuse this power without some constraint.

We don’t today allow police to search people without cause, search homes or wiretap without a warrant, we restrain police powers to protect our freedoms, and there is no reason why Live Facial Recognition should be any different.

Source: Uploaded a work by mikemacmarketing from https://www.flickr.com/photos/152824664@N07/30188201497/ with Upload Wizard

Marian Newton, Reform UK GLA candidate for Croydon and Sutton

Marian Newton is the Reform UK Prospective GLA Candidate for Croydon and Sutton in the upcoming London elections.  We spoke with Marian about her decision to stand.

“I’d like to give the people of Croydon and Sutton the chance to vote for a new common-sense party”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Born and grew up in North Derbyshire. I went to art school, and a college of technology. I then decided to move to London, and then abroad, to work on the airlines. I had always voted Conservative. It was like a religion in my family. In 2013/14 I became disillusioned with them and joined UKIP, then I joined the ‘Brexit Party’ which became ‘Reform UK’.

What made you decide to stand for Reform UK?

I was asked to, and I’d like to give the people of Croydon and Sutton the chance to vote for a new common-sense party. I believe this country needs drastically reforming, and I just want to help with this as much as I can.

“blighted by knife crime, Reform will hold the Met Police to account on targeting this terrible crime blighting so many young lives”

You’re the GLA Candidate for Croydon and Sutton what’s made you decide to represent this area, and what do you see as the big concerns for the constituency?

Being outer London boroughs ULEZ, and the general war on motoring is a major issue.  Much of Croydon and Sutton is best accessed by car, and local amenities might be across the border in Surrey.  Croydon and more recently Sutton has been blighted by knife crime, Reform will hold the Met Police to account on targeting this terrible crime blighting so many young lives.  Sutton suffers from poor public transport, and better services to London is a key concern.  In Croydon we have seen the demise of the town centre, and I would want to work with MPs, and Councillors across parties to do all we can to revive this major shopping destination. 

“get rid of the ULEZ, completely, to start with. It is totally unacceptable”

More widely what would you like to see change in London from the Mayor and GLA?

To get rid of the ULEZ, completely, to start with. It is totally unacceptable to treat the ordinary, hardworking, members of society, with these astronomical charges!

For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?

You can start to get involved by contacting Reform UK at https://www.reformparty.uk/, and you can find out more about Howard Cox’s campaign to be Mayor at https://www.cox4london.uk/.

Dickie Fletcher, SDP candidate for Macclesfield

Dickie Fletcher is the SDP prospective candidate for Macclesfield.  We spoke with Dickie about his decision to stand.

“The experience of trying to build and sustain businesses over the last 30 years, through the 2008 financial crisis, the covid lockdowns and myriad ups and downs in between, has sharpened my thoughts on how badly we have been led by politicians”

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am the owner of a small business which is based in Manchester and serves the music industry with equipment hire and technical services. I have run my own businesses since graduating from Manchester University with a Psychology degree in 1994. I now live with my wife, cat & dog, in Bollington, having recently moved out of the city.

What made you decide to stand for the SDP?

I have been politically engaged all my life, from a childhood growing up in Sheffield during the hothouse of the Miners’ strike and the upheaval that Thatcherite policies brought to the North. I was also very influenced by my Great Uncle, Eric Fletcher, who was a Labour MP for 25 years following the war. With parents who were a teacher and an academic, there was always stimulating debate in the house growing up.

Following the sheltered atmosphere of university, it was somewhat a baptism of fire to go straight into setting up a business in Ancoats, Manchester, which in the 1990s was still a tough place to be. The experience of trying to build and sustain businesses over the last 30 years, through the 2008 financial crisis, the covid lockdowns and myriad ups and downs in between, has sharpened my thoughts on how badly we have been led by politicians for so many years.

“I then felt I should do whatever I could to aid the effort to change things. We will not get change from the “uniparty” of Lab/Con/Lib”

I picked up the SDP’s New Declaration last year and immediately found a political home where I could see there were like-minded people. Having seen William Clouston, the party leader, speak at the party conference last October, I was very impressed with his depth of thought and commitment to building a real party of change for the UK. I then felt I should do whatever I could to aid the effort to change things. We will not get change from the “uniparty” of Lab/Con/Lib.

You’re the Spokesman for Macclesfield. What’s made you decide to represent this area?

I am a keen cyclist, and the Cheshire edge of the Peak District has always been a favourite place for rides out from the urban jungle. As I have cycled through it, it became a place I have wanted to live. I am fortunate that it is now my home, hopefully for many years.  I am representing the SDP in this, my home constituency.

“we need to preserve our national democratic accountability to our citizens and reject the failed neo-liberal globalist project”

What do you see as the big concerns for the constituency and what issues do you hope to champion?

I have only been here a short while, so I am very much looking forward to learning about the concerns of Macclesfield’s residents and the people living in the surrounding towns and villages. I suspect that the cost of living pressures, housing for young people and the over stretched health & social care services will be at the forefront of people’s minds.

I think the concerns nationally will be reflected locally also and I am keen to focus on the failures of the economic model over the past 30 plus years, that all the main parties have followed. This is the root cause of all the problems from immigration, to lack of affordable housing and the decline of our industries.

Importantly, we need to preserve our national democratic accountability to our citizens and reject the failed neo-liberal globalist project that has based growth on debt and cheap immigration, at the expense of our manufacturing and industrial base.

For those eager to help, how can the get involved in the campaign?

You can find out more about the SDP at https://sdp.org.uk/

People can find me at:

[email protected]

Or on X – @sdpdickie