Where was our MP?

Published: 16 April, 2010

• LABOUR rammed through its draconian, illiberal and controversial Digital Economy Bill in the “wash-up” the other day. It had to rely on the Tories’ consent to rush the bill through.
Already, Talk Talk – the UK’s largest residential Internet Service Provider (ISP) – has publicly said that, despite provisions in the bill, it will not disconnect subscribers. ISPs and anyone concerned about internet freedom have opposed this bill from the start.
So where was MP Emily Thornberry at such an important vote? Nowhere to be seen – she abstained. She didn’t have the guts to stand up for her constituents on such an important issue.
Despite what her literature says about her concern for civil liberties, she has voted 100 per cent in favour of ID cards and their introduction (source: Public Whip).
BRENT MARTIN
Elthorne Road, N19

• LUCY RIGBY extols Islington South MP Emily Thornberry’s virtues for defeating plans for detention without charge, trial without jury and control orders (MP record admirable, April 2). Anyone associated with a political party that would even consider such draconian measures would find resignation from that party the only honourable course of action.
Ms Thornberry, while perhaps challenging the most extreme and unpalatable of measures, supported other measures which are equally repressive and illiberal.
Ms Rigby accuses me of unsuccessfully attempting to smear Ms Thornberry’s record to point-score for my local Lib Dems. In fact, I am not a member of Islington Lib Dems, and I have no association with them.
Ms Thornberry wants even more CCTV cameras. She wants us to carry around an identity card, and has given police powers under section 43 to stop any citizen and demand that card.
If this makes her notable in her support of human liberties and civil rights, then God help us.
GORDON MCINTOSH
Britannia Row, N1