NEWS RELEASE from the office of JEAN LAMBERT

November 23 2004

CIVIL LIBERTIES SLASHED IN THE NAME OF TERROR - BUT HOW WILL OUR PUBLIC
SERVICES COPE?

London's Green MEP, Jean Lambert, has attacked the government for effectively slashing civil liberties, under the guise of protecting the country from a terrorist attack, whilst simultaneously leaving public services under funded and under resourced to cope with any major disaster should the worse case scenario happen.

Todays Queen's speech centres on terror laws which have already been widely criticised. Controversial identity card legislation will be introduced, as well as a draft Counter Terrorism Bill to give security agencies and courts extra powers.

Public sector organisations such as the police, local government and hospitals are already under funded and overstretched. Punishing cuts have left no room for an emergency scenario.

Jean says; "I find it particularly interesting that emergency services have said that they feel ill equipped to deal with the fall out a terrorist attack - presumably the government doesn't feel the threat is great enough to warrant more investment not less into our public sector services."

The government are deliberately creating a climate of fear in the run up to the next election. But if they were truly serious about the risks, surely they would ensure that essential public services are properly funded and properly prepared?"

Ends

For more information please contact Alex Rowe on 020 7407 6280 or at alexrowe@greenmeps.org.uk