25 October 2007
The Government will review a number areas of legislation relating to individual rights, including the right to protest outside Parliament and access information more freely, the PM has said.
In a speech on liberty at the University of Westminster, Gordon Brown said that the Home Secretary was today publishing a consultation document on protests held "at the heart of our democracy". Such demonstrations should be able to take place without "unnecessary restrictions".
The PM said:
"I believe that by applying our enduring ideals to new challenges we can start immediately to make changes in our constitution and laws to safeguard and extend the liberties of our citizens."
Individuals will also benefit from a review of the right to gain entry, with the police being asked to simplify such powers into a single code. Further debate on the power of authorities to detain suspects, currently set at a 28 day maximum, will also look at "greater legal or judicial safeguards" and greater scrutiny of proposals by Parliament.
On information, the PM revealed that the Government will look into the prospect of extending Freedom of Information legislation to cover many more aspects of public life, including public work carried out by privately contracted companies. Speedier access to historical records - many are currently archived for 25 years - will also be considered.
The National Security Strategy, which sets out security threats and objectives, will be published for the first time and that the appointment of members to the Intelligence and Security Committee would be handed to Parliament.
Other powers to be handed to Parliament from the Government include the ability to declare war, to ratify treaties and to appoint judges.
Image copyright: Reuters
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