Blair dismisses claims of hyperbole and scaremongering
The Prime Minister has dismissed claims that tough new anti-terror laws will scaremonger voters into backing Labour at the next election.
The Government in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday set out its legislative programme for the next session of parliament, in which security and the fight against terror played a pivotal role.
Her Majesty unveiled a raft of measures aimed fighting terror, crime, anti-social behaviour and identity fraud.
But the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accused the Government of hyperbole in peddling unnecessary security fears.
The Queen told parliamentarians: “My Government recognises that we live in a time of global uncertainty, with an increased threat from international terrorism and organised crime.
“Measures to extend opportunity will be accompanied by legislation to increase security for all.”
Conservative Party leader Mr Howard accused the Government of “over-hyping” the current security situation.
“There is no better example of the Government’s preoccupation with talk, spin and newspaper headlines,” Mr Howard told MPs.
But Mr Blair downplayed suggestions that the terror threat had been exaggerated for electoral gain.
He told MPs: “It’s said that these measures are scaremongering but the fact is that the threats faced by the country and every other major country around the world are real.”
Matthew Taylor, chairman of the Liberal Democrats, said while the Government was focusing on fear, his party offered hope.
“Crime and terror would be better addressed with 10,000 more police and a National Border Force, rather than wasting three billion pounds on ID cards that didn’t protect people in the US or Spain and which would curtail British rights and liberties.”
