The Convention on Modern Liberty

I have been trying to write about the Convention On Modern Liberty, which I went to a couple of weeks ago in London. I started off trying to write about each session, but I got bogged down – it was a very full programme – so I am going to try a different tack, and just write down my thoughts of the whole event.

Alix Mortimer did a pretty remarkable job of live blogging much of the convention, so I shall simply give my overall impressions. (By the way, Alix has also written an excellent post on why she hopes never to go to such a convention again.)

I went to this event because I have become increasingly concerned by the way the UK government has been chiselling away at the freedoms we used to take for granted. I wanted to learn more, particularly what one can do to halt the erosion. I was only partially successful. It was a very interesting day – there were some fascinating speakers, and many excellent speeches – but there was something numbingly depressing about it, too – the long list of rights and freedoms which this and previous governments have legislated away; and the way forward was far from clear.

I am not sure what I can do. Except talking about it, showing others what is going on. Which is why I am writing this.
( Read more... )

The Convention on Modern Liberty

I have been trying to write about the Convention On Modern Liberty, which I went to a couple of weeks ago in London. I started off trying to write about each session, but I got bogged down – it was a very full programme – so I am going to try a different tack, and just write down my thoughts of the whole event.

Alix Mortimer did a pretty remarkable job of live blogging much of the convention, so I shall simply give my overall impressions. (By the way, Alix has also written an excellent post on why she hopes never to go to such a convention again.)

I went to this event because I have become increasingly concerned by the way the UK government has been chiselling away at the freedoms we used to take for granted. I wanted to learn more, particularly what one can do to halt the erosion. I was only partially successful. It was a very interesting day – there were some fascinating speakers, and many excellent speeches – but there was something numbingly depressing about it, too – the long list of rights and freedoms which this and previous governments have legislated away; and the way forward was far from clear.

I am not sure what I can do. Except talking about it, showing others what is going on. Which is why I am writing this.
( Read more... )