The secret courts bill won't enhance justice or make us more secure

‘That Britain allowed itself to be dragged into complicity in extraordinary rendition – the kidnap and torture of individuals by the state – is a disgrace. That, nearly a decade later, the extent and limits of Britain’s involvement are still unknown is almost as shocking.’

So opens a new report, Neither Just nor Secure, by Andrew Tyrie MP and Anthony Peto QC which shreds the Coalition’s Justice and Security Bill, a Bill which this week to go into Committee Stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill has already had a rough ride through Parliament. Deservedly so, for it is damaging legislation that will neither enhance justice nor make us more secure. For example, it proposed that the Government could introduce secret evidence in court, which would be heard in the absence of the other party, his or her lawyers, the press and the public. It was the Government’s original intention that this should happen on the application of a Government minister, if disclosure would damage ‘national security’ – no matter how trivial the damage.