[A-List] UK state: quasi-fascist satrap

["Michael Keaney" <michael.keaney@xxxxxx>]

Earlier, in response to Henry, I suggested that one way in which the British
state was the biggest loser was its loss of domestic credibility and
legitimacy, at a time of rising separatist trends in Scotland and Wales and
a UK-wide infrastructure and legitimation crisis (pensions). This
development is worrying, not least because it reminds us of what has been a
fact ever since Callaghan authorised the signatures on the letter of intent
to the IMF in 1976 -- that UK policy is ultimately in the hands of its US
sponsors. And by accommodating so readily to the "security" demands of the
US while dressing it up as meeting UK national security needs (which in a
way it does), Blunkett is further embedding the UK within the US sphere of
influence, further away from Europe, and enhancing the power of the
centre -- all deeply undesirable. Meanwhile, his use of Abu Hamza as an
excuse for the withdrawal of British citizenship shows just how slippery a
slope we are on when that citizenship can apparently be revoked in response
to a person's exercise of the rights supposedly inherent in that
citizenship. And this, from the government that authorised, published and
supported the report which named and defined "institutionalised racism".
Well, they should know.

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Blunkett puts terror defence top of the agenda
DEBORAH SUMMERS
The Herald, 2 April 2003

BRITAIN will stand "shoulder to should" with America in the war against
terror, David Blunkett announced yesterday as he heralded a new era of
co-operation between the countries.

The home secretary and Tom Ridge, his US counterpart, launched a joint
taskforce to tackle the threat of a simultaneous terror attack after talks
in Washington yesterday.

Mr Blunkett said the group would include officials from his own department
and Washington's department of homeland security, and would work to provide
better border protection and surveillance.

"We are intent on developing joint counter-terrorism exercises to protect us
from simultaneous attacks," Mr Blunkett said. "All of us know that we have
never faced a threat like the one that has developed since the September 11
attack."

His comments came as new powers came into force yesterday that will allow
for the removal of immigrants who "seriously prejudice" Britain's interests.
Abu Hamza, the extremist Muslim preacher, is expected to be among the first
to face action to expel him.

Mr Blunkett said: "I will prepare a case to take action against anyone who
has acted in a way which is incompatible with holding British citizenship."

Andrew Dismore, Labour MP for Hendon, said: "I think Abu Hamza should be a
prime candidate under these new powers, if not at the very top of the list."

Hamza, 44, has been vocal in support of Islamic fundamentalism, has
condemned the invasion of Iraq, and also claimed the September 11 attacks on
the United States were a Jewish plot.