Member

I am afraid to say that the Government’s response on this point, both in Committee and again on Report, has been wholly unconvincing. In a democratic society, when the state seeks to arm civil servants with powers traditionally used for law enforcement, the burden of justification should be very high indeed. We believe the Government have not met that test. We therefore fully support these amendments. They are necessary, proportionate and principled safeguards that would ensure that the powers of the state remain limited, accountable and appropriate to the task at hand. Should the noble Lord, Lord Vaux, wish to test the opinion of the House, we will support him.