I widely welcomes the Government’s Equalities Bill published today in the House of Commons. This is a unique moment for equality in this country and the Government is widely applauded for its initiative to bring all equalities legislation into one act that is enforced, readable and effective.

I have to say ultimate praise goes to the Equalities Minister Harriet Harman MP, without her determination and commitment we would not be able to get to today and when history comes to judge 2008 her name will forever be remembered for equality and the historic steps she has take today. I urge the Government to introduce the Bill in the next Queens Speech and ensure that it completes its passage before summer 2009.

I urge all political parties to support the Bill and ensure that any attempt to delay passage will be met with resistance from the country at large. I condemn the right wing media for the headlines in today’s papers, these headlines are based on lies, they should be ashamed.

I am pleased that the Government have taken this initiative in the Equalities field, we pay tribute to the Government and in particular the Equalities Minister Harriet Harman MP, without her leadership and commitment we would not be able to get to this stage.

I urge the Government to introduce the Bill in the next session and let’s make history together.

I condemn those tabloids that print blatant lies that pander to prejudice and discrimination, no person will receive any preferential treatment under these proposals.”

David Davis stands for his principles, commended and saluted

I commends David Davis MP on his courageous and principled proposal to resign as the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary and a MP for his local constituency. For too long politicians have been accused of putting their own interests before their principles – today Mr. Davis has done what is right and I salute his courage and commitment to defending civil liberties in this country.

The Government failed to provide any evidence to suggest the needs for an increase of pre charge detention, the Labour MPs that changed their votes and voted for Gordon Brown should hang their head in shame. Rights that have taken hundreds of years to be enshrined in British law should not be given up on the basis of shoring up a failed premiership of a lame duck Prime Minister.

David Davis’s principled defence of Civil Liberties and the rule of law is an inspiration for the nation, we look forward to a debate based on the issues and evidence and not jumped up proposals for political benefits. The Government should not play politics with people’s lives.

I commend and salute David Davis MP for his courage and determination to defend civil liberties, for too long politicians have been accused of putting their own interests before their principles – today David Davis has stood up for his principles and he stands taller today amongst his peers in the House of Commons.

Those Labour MPs that changed their minds and supported the Government to protect the Prime Minister should hang their hands in shame; they should have followed their conscience and should have voted for liberties and justice.

This authoritarian Government has spent a decade curtailing freedom and civil liberties and the time has come for the nation to say enough is enough.”