Yes, our glorious leader Gormless Brown has declared that the continuing erosion of our civil liberties helps to ensure my right to live free from crime:

“Gordon Brown has defended the use of CCTV, ID cards and the DNA database – saying they protect civil liberties.

“In a speech to the IPPR think tank, the prime minister said they helped ensure people’s right to live free from crime.”

I see. So by watching me wherever I go, by forcing me to carry an ID card and by taking and keeping samples of my DNA they will guarantee that I will live free from crime? That’s excellent news. I won’t worry about my safety any longer when I’m considering walking around after midnight in the middle of Manchester or South London or wherever thanks to El Gordo and his band of totalitarians.

What utter and complete toss!

Or does he mean that by doing all that I won’t commit any crimes against anyone else? Didn’t the September 11th bombers carry ID cards then?