Disgrace of those who vote for PTA
Socialist Organiser1982 1982-02-11Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 12 →
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Send to Socialist Organiser, c/o 28, Middle Lane, London N8. I WISH to bring to your notice a subject which I feel the trade unions and indeed the Labour Party itself has ignored for far too long. It is about time that we all tried to get something done about the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Official Secrets Act.
Now both of these Acts being abused and have clearly outlived any usefulness they may have had.
It is a well-known fact that the PTA has been used to intimidate the Irish population from becoming politically active in this country.
It was the creation of Roy Jenkins and has been supported ever since by the majority of MPs and indeed some so-called left wing MPs very It is a disgrace for any trade unionist or socialist to vote for an Act as draconian as this.
we know Mr Jenkins was no socialist so one can understand him bringing in such repulsive legislation.
But it has been around for too long and must be removed from the statute book.
Also there is too much secrecy in this country. If we really believe in a democratic system we must work to publicise the fact that people in every other country in the world can know what is going on in Britain. But the people who live and work here must be kept in the dark.
The Official Secrets Act has been used to suppress free speech and threaten people with imprisonment. It is not about giving secrets to the Russians (Anthony Blunt has already kept them up to date). It stere mainly to cover up all the scandals which, if exposed, would possibly bring down governments.
It is used to protect people in high places who are involved in all sorts of corruption and graft. Admittedly there are a lot of things that need changing. But until we get rid of these two undemocratic Acts of Parliament we will make no headway on the other fronts.
The PTA also stops the troops out. movement because people know the harassment they can get and no comeback. Please let's get a campaign to get rid of these Tory laws and get a breath of fresh air into Parliament.
You can through SO start campaigning, but we need the trade unions to come out in favour of repeal as well.
How about it?
PAT BYRNE Coventry