Fear factor

"None of us believe countering terrorism is about party politics," declared David Blunkett yesterday. We fear that the Home Secretary doth protest too much. And if you doubt it, just look to the comments of the Leader of the Commons, Peter Hain, yesterday arguing that Britain was safer under a Labour government.

Of course, the Government is playing politics with fear. If it had wanted it to be above politics, it would have sought agreed legislation with the opposition. Instead, it is promoting illiberal laws designed specifically to wrong-foot them. Yes, countering terrorism should be above politics. Sadly, with this government, it isn't.