Criticism of "leading and simplistic" consultation on terror legislation

5.07.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Nov 2005

Councillor David Ward, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Bradford North, criticised the Home Secretary Charles Clarke today following the Labour party's climb down concerning a questionnaire asking people their views concerning the terror legislation currently being debated in Parliament.

"Charles Clarke and the Labour party have been using their website to ask questions about what people think about the proposed terror legislation. The questionnaire consisted of a small number of outrageously leading questions and no comments box. They asked: "Do you think that our laws should be updated to cope with the current security threat?" "Do you think police should have the time and opportunity to complete their investigations into suspected terrorists?" and

"Do you think the government should make sure there are new safeguards to protect innocent people?"

"It's scarcely believable that the Home secretary should treat such a serious issue and the people they are asking for views, with such contempt by asking such simplistic and leading questions" says Councillor Ward.

"The questionnaire did not ask for comments about how the legislation could be updated for example or even give sufficient information to allow you to make an informed decision. Councillor Ward says "If any of the leading polling organisations had conducted an opinion poll using such leading questions they'd be a laughing stock."

In a climb down Charles Clarke has apologised for the questionnaire. In a statement he says "I would like to apologise for the questionnaire which was attached to the message that I sent out to party supporters on Friday. It was not intended to gauge public opinion but to start a political debate around the proposals currently being debated in Parliament. Many people have raised with me perfectly valid concerns about how the questions were drafted. I can only say that I share those concerns and give my assurance that questions of this type will not used in the future."

"I am horrified that Charles Clarke and the Labour party used this as a form of consultation on a piece of legalisation that is fundamental to our basic freedoms. They should be ashamed that they have treated people with such breathtaking cynicism" says Councillor Ward."