David Davis is my hero. I think he ought to be your hero too. This week he has taken the Chiltern Hundreds (which is a funny way of saying he resigned from Parliament; there are historical reasons into which it is unnecessary to diverge now) because he believes in liberty. Specifically, he believes that the state ought not to have the right to lock anyone up for longer than is absolutely necessary without charging them with a crime. I cannot see how anyone can be against that belief.
I know that people think we are facing an unprecedented terrorist threat. Personally, I don't believe that. But even if I did, I would not consider it prudent to combat that threat by surrendering fundamental rights guaranteed in Magna Carta. It should be blindingly obvious that one does not fight against threats to one's liberty by giving up that liberty. This week, Islamist terrorism won a battle in the heart of British government: Parliament, the guardian of the people's freedom, allowed our freedom to be diminished. Why? Because we are scared of terrorists. And that means they win. Terrorists win if we are terrified. They win if we are scared enough to change our way of life.
I don't want them to win. I am not scared of them.
All power to Mr Davis. I hope he can rally the country behind his cause.
Agree with Davis' position, disagree with his mis-use of the electoral system and waste of public money for this stunt.
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