Despite a consensus on an number of issues, civil liberties remains an area of mass contention between the main parties. How to balance civil liberties with national security has caused much controversy and divisions amongst politicians. It is true that students would not necessarily say that ‘civil liberties’ was an election priority for them, however it is important that students are aware of the issues.
The future of ID cards, the Human Rights Act and the DNA database is at stake in this election with all political parties offering different policies. So where do the parties stand?
Conservatives
Would scrap ID cards and identity database; opposed the extension of pre-charge detention limit to 42 days, preferring 28-day maximum; would replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights; launch a full review of the Control Orders system designed to protect the public against terrorism; strip local authorities of surveillance powers; review the Preventing Violent Extremism Strategy, which has been accused of encouraging spying on innocent Muslims; support DNA database, but would ensure DNA from innocent people is removed.
Labour
Attempted to extend pre-charge detention limit to 42 days, but now committed to 28-day limit; introduced five major pieces of anti-terror legislation since 2000; will require all foreign nationals to hold an ID card by 2011; scrapped plans for compulsory ID cards for everyone, but would continue to register passport holders on a National Identity Database and to allow voluntary take-up of ID cards; continue to support the DNA database, but would restructure it to ensure DNA from innocent people is removed and destroyed after a fixed period of between six and 12 years.
Liberal Democrats
Would reduce the pre-charge detention limit to 14 days; would introduce a written constitution, pending approval in a referendum, that defines and limits the power of government, including a Bill of Rights to protect individual rights; oppose control orders; scrap ID cards and identity database; end permanent storage of the DNA of innocent people without their consent; establish an inquiry into allegations of UK involvement in torture; allow parents to stop their children being fingerprinted at school; more regulation of CCTV; extend the Freedom of Information Act to all public bodies.
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NUS does not support or endorse any political party or candidate who are running on a wide range of issues. NUS does not take responsibility for the accuracy of information on this page. The information was obtained through the individual political parties websites.