The Great Repeal/Freedom Bill
May 19th, 2010 @ 12:27 | permalink
With the coalition looking to make a start on removing some of the bad, ill thought out and downright stupid laws from the statute book - and asking the public what they would like to see the back of - I though I'd mention some that I believe need to be removed/rewritten:
- The hunting ban. This was purely a sop to the class warriors on the Labour back benches and nothing to do with animal 'rights'.
- The smoking ban. Is the health of the nation any better because we can no longer smoke in pubs? No, didn't think so.
- Much of the terrorism legislation brought in on the back of 9/11 and 7/7. Illiberal and minor parts (such as s44) are widely abused.
- DNA retention for life. Should only be for those convicted.
- Contact Point. Pointless especially given that children of MPs and 'celebrities' aren't even on it.
- European Communities Act. Passed on the false pretence of it being a free trade area. Let the public decide if they want to be part of a political union.
- CRB/ISA. Allows for gossip and hearsay rather than proven facts. All it does in the end is prove that the person holding it hasn't got the finger of suspicion hanging over them.
- Handgun ban. A knee-jerk piece of legislation which hasn't stopped gun crime?
- Mobile phones and driving. Dangerous driving/driving without due care and attention already covers this.
- Libel Laws. Anyone who has read the exploits of Mr Justice Eady in Private Eyes knows that these are in need of being reformed.
- ID cards, National Identity Register and anything associated with it. Unnecessary. 'nuff said.
- Civil Contingencies Act. Gives too much power to the government as to what they can do in an 'emergency'.
That's a quick list from the top of my head. I'm sure there are others.
Update: For an even better list go to Wikiversity: Great Repeal Bill
Penny Clare added…
June 13th, 2010 @ 13:41 | permalink
General principles aside, I really appreciate being able to go into a pub or restaurant without some inconsiderate oaf (or fem version thereof) wafting smoke all over me, making my clothes and hair stink and giving me a splitting headache. Also I heard on the radio (so it must be true!) that there is now statistical evidence of a drop in hospital admissions for heart attack since the ban. Your other points, however, I agree with wholeheartedly.
I can't disagree that it is nice to go to a pub and not come home smelling like a chimney. This doesn't mean however that I like the ban. It is my belief that it should be up to the owners or landlords of a building to decide whether or not smoking should be allowed on their premises - not the state.
One of the most ludicrous requirements of the ban is that everywhere should have a sign (the dimensions of which are specified by law) saying that smoking isn't permitted. Sorry, but you have passed a ban that (with one or two minor exceptions) applies everywhere. Why the fuck is it then necessary to put a bloody sign up?
As I can't through see it being repealed, a tolerable amendment would be allowing a return of the smoking room - somewhere well vented, signed and indoors. I'm sure it would be appreciated when the temperature outside is in the brass monkey regions.
Fancy joining in?
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